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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, Headquarters First United States Army, from 1 October 1944 to 25 April 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton was charged with the preparation and publication of the history of the FIRST Army, throughout its campaigns in Belgium and Germany. In addition to these duties he was assigned missions of vital information to the build up of units for this Army. Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton was able to efficiently overcome these difficulties and assure the early arrival within the army area of units whose immediate need was dictated by the existing tactical situation. By his superior devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton has reflected highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 15 – November 2, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Commanding Officer, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in Korea, from 15 August to 2 November 1950. During the early days of operations in the Pusan perimeter when the situation was in a constant state of flux, Colonel Throckmorton skillfully directed the efforts of his combat team to defend successfully the assigned sector. Displaying forceful leadership and broad knowledge of military tactics, he deployed his regiment to repulse repeated and fanatical attacks by a numerically superior enemy and, during the initial offensive the United Nations’ troops and the ensuing battle for Waegwan and Kumchon, his extraordinary planning and employment of the unit resulted in the defeat of the opposing forces. Colonel Throckmorton’s combat initiative and sustained devotion to duty contributed materially to the remarkable achievements of the 5th Infantry Regiment in support of the campaign for freedom and reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 9, 1950
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 224 (October 6, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 9 August 1950, when the 2d Battalion was engaged in a night attack near Pongam-ni, Korea, infiltrating enemy forces isolated several units and threatened the advance of the battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton, the Battalion Commander, went forward under concerted hostile fire, reorganized the isolated units and established a firm defensive line. When increased enemy activity made the position untenable, Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton established and directed a series of rear guard actions which enabled the battalion to withdraw in an orderly manner with a minimum of casualties. Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton’s conspicuous courage, outstanding leadership and tactical skill reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1969 – 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commanding General, STRICOM, from 1969 to 1973. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Throckmorton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1967 – 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Commanding General, XVIII Airborne Corps, from 1967 to 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Throckmorton and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    August 1964 – November 1965
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 12, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Deputy Commander, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, from August 1964 to November 1965. The responsibilities of this position encompassed the entire spectrum of military operations and called for unique professional skills, a broad knowledge of strategic and tactical affairs, and a deep understanding of the sensitive politico-military issues involved. His superb performance was marked by exceptional devotion to duty, tenacity of purpose, and outstanding personal integrity. General Throckmorton’s vigorous leadership and professional experience were evident not only in the efficient build-up of United States and Free World Forces in the Republic of Vietnam but also in the effective application of these forces in combat against the enemy. Through his diplomatic skill, personal courage, and tireless efforts, General Throckmorton was instrumental in coordinating the smooth introduction of substantial numbers of United States Forces into Vietnam, as well as in developing the combat capabilities of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. General Throckmorton’s distinguished service is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service of his nation.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 17 & 18, 1950
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 79 (February 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Lathrop Throckmorton (ASN: 0-19732), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Waewan-Kumchon area of Korea, on 17 and 18 September 1950. On these dates the 5th Cavalry Regiment attacked the key cities of Waegwan and Kumchon, capturing them, and succeeded in breaking the iron ring of the Pusan perimeter. During the entire successful engagement, Colonel Throckmorton personally directed the assaults of his forward battalions and front line companies. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he moved from position to position along the entire front, exposing himself to heavy enemy small-arms, mortar, and direct tank fire in order to command his troops with the utmost effectiveness. East of Kumchon he assumed a position with the lead tanks some three hundred yards in advance of the foremost infantry. Despite intense enemy fire, which hit two friendly tanks in his immediate vicinity, he remained in his exposed position to personally supervise the movement of the leading tanks and infantry assault companies. His gallant leadership under the most adverse conditions inspired the men of his command to fight with an unconquerable will to succeed. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.