The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine (NSN: 0-17095), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17), in action in military operations against an armed enemy. As Captain of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL, he participated in the capture and occupation of Tarawa and Makin, 29 November to 6 December 1943, Second Strike on Nauru, 8 December 1943, First Strike on Kavieng, 25 December 1943, Second Strike on Kavieng, 1 January 1944, Third Strike on Kavieng, 4 January 1944, capture and defense of the Marshall Islands, 29 January 1944 to 5 February 1944. By his personal leadership, his force of character, and by the effectiveness of his training, he inspired his officers and men, and imbued them with confidence and an offensive spirit which carried them to decisive victory in the above named engagements with the enemy. By his achievements he contributed greatly to the neutralization of enemy forces in two important areas of conflict and to the destruction of many enemy aircraft, surface vessels, and important airfield installations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ballentine is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)Action Date:
November 11 & 18 – 26, 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Jennings Ballentine (NSN: 0-17095), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17) during the attack on Rabaul Harbor, 11 November 1943, and the operations for the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, 18 through 26 November 1943. The Task Group of which his ship was a part, was three times under heavy and sustained enemy air attack, but so skillfully did he fight his ship that severe losses were inflicted upon the enemy without damage to his vessel. His courageous and intelligent leadership not only brought his own ship through unscathed, but materially contributed to the defense of the entire Task Group and the success of its missions. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
September 29, 1944 – June 18, 1945
Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 16747 (August 10, 1945)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 Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine (NSN: 0-17095), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Fleet Air, Seattle, from 29 September 1944 to 18 June 1945. With exceptional skill in a position of great responsibility, utilizing to the fullest his comprehensive previous experience and admirable foresight, he employed every available means in achieving the goal of the mission assigned to his command. The uncommon ability he employed in the selection of personnel, in their training and in the solution of the many special problems incident thereto are reflected in the superior combat records of the units which came under his command. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
August 30 – December 20, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine (NSN: 0-17095), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Liaison Officer between the CinCPac and the Supreme Commander for the Allied Forces for the Occupation of Japan from 30 August to 20 December 1945. Rear Admiral Ballentine, as the representative of the CinCPacFlt accompanied the Supreme Commander on his flight into Japan on 30 August 1945 and thereafter rendered outstanding service and displayed commendable initiative in connection with the arrangements for the formal surrender of Japan, the recovery of Allied personnel from Japanese prison camps, the repatriation of the Japanese from overseas, the seizure of Japanese naval vessels, stations, and equipment, and the removal of mines from Japanese waters. Rear Admiral Ballentine’s conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.