Navy Federal Credit Union

John Kaufman graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1932. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Santa Fe (CL-60)

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945

    Commander, 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0399 (April 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Holladay Kaufman (NSN: 0-71459), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as First Lieutenant of the U.S.S. SANTA FE (CL-60), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Shikoku, Japan, on 19 March 19455. When his ship went alongside a burning carrier which had been damaged by enemy air attack, Commander Kaufman immediately organized and supervised fire fighting teams, personnel transfer, line handling and towing details. Constantly exposing himself to danger, he assisted materially in carrying out the rescue mission. Commander Kaufman’s professional skill, resourcefulness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.