John A. Austin’s Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to

JOHN ARNOLD AUSTIN
CHIEF CARPENTER
U.S. NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John Arnold Austin (00075565), Chief Carpenter, U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. OKLAHOMA (BB-37), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. When the U.S.S. OKLAHOMA capsized, Chief Carpenter Austin and a number of the crew were entrapped in one of the ship’s compartments. By his efforts, a porthole which was under water was located and he assisted fifteen of the crew to escape. The conduct of Chief Carpenter Austin throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Born: 30 August, 1905 in Warrior, Ala…. Home of record: Long Beach, Calif…. Joined the Navy at 15 in 1920… Evarts-class destroyer escort USS Austin (DE-15) named in his honor… Interred with other Oklahoma unknowns before his remains were identified in 2018…