Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
P.
Bienia

Home:

New Bedford

, 

Massachusetts

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236)

    Action Date:

    October 5 – November 8, 1943
    CINSPAC 02476 (June 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant John P. Bienia (NSN: 90878), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in the performance of his duties as Engineering Officer and Diving Officer during the SEVENTH War Patrol of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), from 5 October 1943 to 8 November 1943. By his painstaking efforts, he at all times maintained the engineering plant in a high state of readiness. As Diving Officer, he maintained excellent depth control during attacks and during evasion of strong enemy countermeasures. His conduct in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant John P. Bienia (NSN: 90878), United States Navy, for outstanding courage, skill, and performance of duty as Assistant Diving and Damage Control Officer of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236) during our highly successful war patrols in enemy controlled waters which resulted in sinking 61,677 tons of enemy shipping and severely damaging 30,210 tons. During depth charge attacks following successful torpedo attacks on enemy shipping he conducted himself in an exemplary manner. He supervised the caulking of serious leaks which assisted the Diving Officer in maintaining depth control and greatly contributed to the safety of his vessel. His leadership and courage throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Bienia is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)