JOHN D. PRICE, LCDR, USN
John Price '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
JOHN DAVIS PRICE
Orlinda, Tennessee
The pride of Orlinda's two hundred (beg pardon, 511) inhabitants came to the Naval Academy to put his podunk on the county map. Although he had a few difficulties, he managed to stand high in his class and give the home town plenty of toots. "Jigger"' was all for sports; but his bunk exerted a much greater influence. However, he managed to play battalion lacrosse, and to put his talents to work on the Ring Committee and as a Company Representative. He was always ready for a good time with an ever present smile, in spite of receiving numerous bricks. "Jigger" was a fine classmate and will do well wherever he goes.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
JOHN DAVIS PRICE
Orlinda, Tennessee
The pride of Orlinda's two hundred (beg pardon, 511) inhabitants came to the Naval Academy to put his podunk on the county map. Although he had a few difficulties, he managed to stand high in his class and give the home town plenty of toots. "Jigger"' was all for sports; but his bunk exerted a much greater influence. However, he managed to play battalion lacrosse, and to put his talents to work on the Ring Committee and as a Company Representative. He was always ready for a good time with an ever present smile, in spite of receiving numerous bricks. "Jigger" was a fine classmate and will do well wherever he goes.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
John was lost on August 7, 1953 when the plane he was aboard crashed en route from Norfolk, Virginia to Atlantic City.
Other Information
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Jigger was born 25 October, 1920 in Orlinda, Tennessee. He was appointed from Tennessee and entered the Academy on 22 June, 1939. Upon graduation he reported to the cruiser USS CONCORD operating first in the Southeast Pacific and later in the Aleutians. Jigger left the CONCORD in March 1944 to attend Gunnery Officer's Ordnance School in Washington, D.C., the fitting out of the cruiser USS TOPEKA and her commissioning in December 1944. The TOPEKA operated as part of the Third and Fifth Fleets off Japan at the end of WWII, He next went ashore at the NROTC Unit at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York in September 1948 and in July 1949 became Aide and Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Naval Forces Far East. In July 1951, Jigger reported to the Office of the Judge Advocate General, Washington, D.C. for duty under instruction in Law School at George Washington University. On 7 August 1953, Jigger was riding in a plane as a passenger between Norfolk, Virginia and Atlantic City when he was killed as the plane crashed. He received the Bronze Star. The Citation reads as follows:
For meritorious service as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to Commander Naval Forces, Far East, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Area from June 1950 to July 1951. An excellent administrator, Lieutenant Commander Price rendered valuable assistance to Commander Naval Forces, Far East, effectively fulfilling the increased volume of responsibilities imposed by the sudden onset of hostilities in Korea. Skillfully organizing his diverse assigned tasks, he efficiently directed the Flag movements, scheduled events, handled details of protocol and tactfully coordinated interservice conferences. By his professional ability, sound judgment and thorough understanding of existing administrative problems, Lieutenant Commander Price contributed materially to the success of his command during this vital period, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Additionally, Jigger wore the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, the American Area Campaign Medal, the China Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign with at least three bronze stars, the Occupation Medal, the WW II Victory Medal, and the Kore an Defense Medal. He is survived by his wife, Sally Morehouse and their daughter Sarah Davis who were last understood to reside at 205 49th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
John married Sally Morehouse whose father was Admiral Albert Morehouse. His father John was a farmer, mother Davis, brothers James and Douglas.
John's Find A Grave page is here.
Photographs
From the Nashville Banner on September 14, 1951
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