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Coye, John Starr, Jr. (USN)

Date of birth:
April 24th, 1911 (Berkeley/California, United States)
Date of death:
November 26th, 2002 (Ojai/California, United States)
Buried on:
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Plot: CBDD. Row: 1. Grave: 215.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

For extraordinary heroism as commanding officer of a submarine which sank nine Japanese ships, damaged three, damaged and probably sank another and sank an additional 18,000 tons of enemy shipping, Cmdr. John S. Coye Jr., USN, Worcester, Mass., has been awarded the Navy Cross and two gold stars in lieu of a second and third. His ship, the USS Silversides, recently received the Presidential Unit Citation.

The first Navy Cross was awarded to Commander Coye for courageously and repeatedly delivering skillful torpedo attacks on two occasions, sinking four enemy vessels and probably sinking another. His attack on a heavily escorted convoy which resulted in the sinking of shipping totaling over 18,000 tons merited the second award. He received the third Navy Cross for torpedo attacks which sank five enemy ships totaling 23,600 tons and damaged three others totaling 18,000 tons.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 18th, 1944
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), on the SEVENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 5 October 1943 to 8 November 1943, in enemy controlled waters. During two engagements with heavily escorted hostile convoys, Commander Coye delivered accurate and devastating torpedo attacks against the enemy, sinking and damaging a number of Japanese vessels. Despite persistent counterattacks by the opposing forces, he skillfully evaded the enemy and brought his craft to port without material damage or casualties among his personnel. Commander Coye's inspiring leadership and the aggressive fighting spirit of his intrepid command were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 46
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236), U.S. Navy
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), on the EIGHTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-held waters, on 29 December 1943 and on 2 January 1944. After contacting a heavily escorted enemy convoy, Commander Coye fearlessly penetrated the formidable screen and launched a series of brilliantly executed attacks to sink or extensively damage more than 26,500 tons of hostile shipping. Skillfully evading the ensuing countermeasures, he cleared the vicinity to resume this aggressive patrol. Endangered by a Japanese submarine on 2 January 1944, Commander Coye, by his exceptional alertness, quick thinking and positive action, saved his gallant ship from a three-torpedo attack. His inspiring conduct and the outstanding performance of his courageous officers and men throughout this highly successful War Patrol were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 54 (Gold Star attached to the ribbon of the first medal)
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
July 30th, 1944
Navy Cross
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 April 1944 to 11 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific. Maneuvering his vessel through strong enemy escort screens, Commander Coye launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink five hostile ships totaling 23,600 tons and to damage three additional ships totaling 18,000 tons. Although subjected to severe depth charging while operating in shallow water, he skillfully evaded the enemy and escaped without severe damage to his ship. His devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Commander Coye, his officers and men and the United States Naval Service."

Second Gold Star attached to the ribbon of the first medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
U.S.S. Silversides (SS-236), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
March 1947
Legion of Merit - US Military
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SILVERSIDES (SS-236), during the ELEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the Formosa and Kyushu areas from September to November 1944.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 361
Period:
After War Period (1945-now)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Training Command, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from August 1966 to July 1968."

Gold Star attached to the ribbon of the first medal
Legion of Merit - US Military

Sources