Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Driscoll
Sweeney

Home:

Belmont

, 

Massachusetts

John Sweeney graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1926. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1942 – July 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001979 (September 28, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Driscoll Sweeney (NSN: 0-60531), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of a Transport and later of a Transport Division operating in the Solomon Islands Area during the period from 7 August 1942 to July 1943. Commander Sweeney participated in the initial occupation of Guadalcanal-Tulagi when his ship transported troops for the assault on Gavutu. Subsequently in August 1942, his ship conducted an operation against Japanese possessions at Taivu Point on Guadalcanal. Since the initial occupation, his ship, and later the ships of his Division, have been engaged actively in the transportation of reinforcements and supplies to the American garrison on Guadalcanal; in the occupation of the Russell Islands in February 1943; in the assault on Rendova Island on 30 June 9143, and in the transportation and supply of American troops through Kula Gulf. On all occasions he demonstrated outstanding courage, skill, determination and devotion to duty. During these operations he was subjected repeatedly to enemy air and submarine attack and to bombardment by enemy shore batteries. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Crosby
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00165 (January 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander John Driscoll Sweeney (NSN: 0-60531), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander Transport Division TWELVE from 1 July 1943 to 21 November 1943. During this period the APD’s under Commander Sweeney’s direction participated in our landing of troops and supplies at Rice Anchorage, and in our further operations against New Georgia, Vella Lavella, Treasury, and in the second, third, and fifth echelons to Bougainville; served as escort vessels on numerous occasions; and performed successfully the hazardous missions of rescuing survivors of one of our ships from enemy held territory. Difficulties inherent in the age of the ships and arising because of the unfamiliarity of the waters to be navigated, danger from determined and persistent attacks by all weapons of the enemy, and the necessity of making crucial decisions in the heat of battle served to emphasize the resourcefulness and determination, the courage, and the skill and good judgment which Commander Sweeney has consistently demonstrated. On the numerous occasions when he has been subjected to enemy attacks, his disregard of all hazards has reflected credit upon the service and inspired confidence and renewed determination in the officers and men under his command. The ships under Commander Sweeney’s direction have made a major contribution to the success of our forces.