The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Edward Pace (NSN: 0-78715/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. JOHN C. BUTLER (DE-339), during action against major units of the enemy Japanese Fleet, in the Battle off Samar Island, 25 October 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers attacked our small Task Unit of Escort Carriers, Commander Pace closed on the hostile disposition and, skillfully maneuvering his ship to avoid crippling blows from the continuous bombardment of enemy gunfire, launched a short-range torpedo attack, thereby diverting hostile fire from our almost defenseless carriers to his own ship. By his heroic action, he contributed materially to the eventual rout of this vastly superior enemy force and his courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
August 6, 1964 – November 1, 1965
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain John Edward Pace (NSN: 0-78715/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group, Office of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Office of the Secretary of Defense from 6 August 1964 to 1 November 1965. During this period Captain Pace made very significant contributions to studies vitally affecting national security. His extensive background of Naval experience, his knowledge of the long range objectives of the Navy and his keen foresight have significantly contributed to the accuracy, thoroughness and objectivity of all studies in which he participated. In his capacity as Chief of Staff to the Senior Navy Member, he has demonstrated a high quality of character, resourcefulness, and unusual ability in planning and organizing the Navy Group to achieve smooth and efficient performance. His broad educational and professional experience coupled with his unusual perceptiveness and keen appreciation of operations research methodology enabled him to contribute greatly to the effectiveness of the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group. The outstanding accomplishments of Captain Pace reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. John C. Butler (DE-339)Action Date:
May 20, 1945
Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 02447 (September 23, 1947)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Edward Pace (NSN: 0-78715/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. JOHN C. BUTLER (DE-339), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, on 20 May 1945. When his ship was attacked and slightly damaged by six enemy suicide planes, Commander Pace directed his guns in shooting down three of the hostile aircraft and, by his cool leadership, saved his ship from serious damage or destruction. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 3738 (May 24, 1967)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John Edward Pace (NSN: 0-78715/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 8 November 1965 to 15 May 1967 as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Station, San Juan. An extremely competent, resourceful, and inspiring leader, Captain Pace was responsible for the preparation and implementation of plans to assume logistic support for all Department of Defense agencies in the San Juan area. His dynamic application of the best management techniques, in assuming these additional tasks, resulted in a significant saving of manpower. During the withdrawal of the Inter-American Peace Force from the Dominican Republic in 1966, Captain Pace provided logistic support to the Defense Attach, Santo Domingo, meeting all commitments through skillful management of the meager resources available to him. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Pace upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.