John F. Shafroth Jr.
John Franklin Shafroth Jr. (March 31, 1887 – September 1, 1967) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Vice Admiral. He distinguished himself as Commander of destroyer USS Terry during World War I and received the Navy Cross, the United States Navy second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.
John Franklin Shafroth Jr. | |
|---|---|
VADM John F. Shafroth Jr., USN | |
| Nickname(s) | Big Jack |
| Born | March 31, 1887 Denver, Colorado, US |
| Died | September 1, 1967 (aged 80) Westerly, Rhode Island, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1908–1949 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | General Board of the Navy Panama Sea Frontier Seventh Naval district Southeast Pacific Area Battleship Squadron 2 Battleship Division 8 Cruiser Division 3 USS Indianapolis |
| Battles/wars | Veracruz Expedition World War I World War II
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| Awards | Navy Cross Legion of Merit (4) |
| Relations | John F. Shafroth (senator) |
| Other work | President, Naval Historical Foundation |
Shafroth Jr. rose to the flag rank during World War II and commanded Southeast Pacific Area or Battleship Squadron 2 during Battle of Okinawa. He led the first naval bombardment of mainland Japan during the World War II, on July 14, 1945.
Following the War, Shafroth remained in the Navy and commanded Seventh Naval district, Panama Sea Frontier and General Board of the Navy. He served as President, Naval Historical Foundation from 1961 to 1967. He was the son of Senator and former Governor of Colorado, John F. Shafroth. Shafroth Jr. was nicknamed "Big Jack" due to his weight of 280 pounds.