The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Sherman Barleon (NSN: 0-6560), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WICKES, engaged in the important, exacting, and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested by enemy submarines and mines, protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity during World War I.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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December 7, 1941 – August 30, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain John Sherman Barleon (NSN: 0-6560), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 7 December 1941 to 30 August 1945, as Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commandant, FIRST Naval District. By his extensive knowledge of Navy business, policies, and directives, his keen understanding of war problems, and his consummate administrative ability, he contributed immeasurably to the successful accomplishment of the FIRST Naval District war tasks. Charged with the responsibility of insuring proper provision for the execution of the mission of the District, he displayed sound judgment and keen foresight in the supervision of effective planning of important war tasks. During this period of enormous expansion of the District, personnel, activities and functions, he demonstrated the most extraordinary organizing ability in integrating the work of the Headquarters Staff and of the District. In interpreting and implementing the numerous and diverse directives of the Bureaus and Offices of the Navy Department, he exhibited keen diagnostic ability and discernment, and set up effective measures to smooth out and execute the directives in carrying out the Navy’s part in the many difficult and vitally important joint problems with the Army and with civil authorities, he evinced the highest talent and cooperation and promoted the extensive cultivation of mutual respect. In indoctrinating the members of the Staff and in effecting a smooth working organization, he demonstrated a high professional skill and forceful leadership. In guiding, counseling, and helping the newly inducted members of the Staff, by his dogged determination and utmost perseverance he inspired them to unusual achievement and secured their deep gratitude and respect. To the enormous work load he applied energy and devotion. His exalted attitudes and standards were the finest of examples to all his associates. His superior conduct and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.