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Navy Federal Credit Union
Frank
Nickols
Shamer
1915-04-30

–

2004-11-27

Frank Shamer graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1937. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Seal (SS-183)

    Action Date:

    February 10 – April 9, 1942
    Commander Submarines Pacific: Serial 02605 (November 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] Frank Nickols Shamer (NSN: 0-78826), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer on board the U.S.S. SEAL (SS-183), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the Java Sea, Flores Sea, Southern Approaches to Macassar City and South Coast of Timor Areas, from 10 February to 9 April 1942. Precisely controlling depth, Commander Shamer rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks against enemy shipping and, by his professional skill and sound judgment, contributed materially to the success of his vessel in sinking approximately 10,000 tons of Japanese shipping and in evading severe enemy countermeasures. His courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    June 1965 – April 1967
    Board Serial 2586 (April 17, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Frank Nickols Shamer (NSN: 0-78826), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from June 1965 to April 1967 as Chief of Staff to Commander Mine Force, United States Pacific Fleet. Exercising dynamic leadership, Captain Shamer rendered invaluable service in the planning and execution of the establishment, as well as the continued logistic support, of Mine Squadron ELEVEN, Detachment ALFA in the Republic of Vietnam. His professional knowledge of all requirements has resulted in a highly effective performance of the unit in keeping the river approaches to Saigon open to deep-draft merchant ships. Captain Shamer’s versatility and depth of professional competence were also evidenced in the successful planning and establishment of the four Southeast Asia Semi-permanent Harbor Protection Units in the Republic of Vietnam. Additionally, through his supervision, he has been instrumental in the institution of a program of inspection to improve the material condition of pre-positioned war reserve stocks. The aggressiveness evidenced in this daily conduct of business has materially enhanced the readiness posture of the Pacific Mine Force. Captain Shamer’s outstanding leadership, professional ability, judgment and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.