John F. Shafroth Jr.

John Franklin Shafroth Jr.
VADM John F. Shafroth Jr., USN
Nickname(s)Big Jack
Born(1887-03-31)March 31, 1887
Denver, Colorado, US
DiedSeptember 1, 1967(1967-09-01) (aged 80)
Westerly, Rhode Island, US
Buried
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1908–1949
Rank Vice Admiral
CommandsGeneral 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 / warsVeracruz Expedition
World War I

World War II

AwardsNavy Cross
Legion of Merit (4)
RelationsJohn F. Shafroth (senator)
Other workPresident, Naval Historical Foundation

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.[1][2]

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.[3][2]

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.[2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Valor awards for John Franklin Shafroth was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference SNAC was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia was invoked but never defined (see the help page).