John Rowan

John J. Rowan (September 6, 1919 – October 6, 2012) was a captain in the United States Navy.

Military career

World War II Rowan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in December 1941. His first tour of duty as a newly commissioned ensign was aboard the heavy cruiser . He later received a citation for his participation on the Vincennes during the Doolittle Raid. When the ship was sunk in the first Battle of Savo Island, Ensign Rowan, with only a life jacket, waited five hours in the water until rescued.

After his rescue, he was assigned to the for three months and then transferred to the . Eight weeks after his assignment to the De Haven, it was sunk in the second Battle of Savo Island. Ensign Rowan sustained injuries and was in the water for two hours until rescued by a Landing craft tank which the ship had been escorting. As the first commanding officer of the USS Annapolis, the ship has the distinction because of his direct involvement and planning for the first "floating communications" station and first ship to transmit messages ship-to-shore via satellite.

Retirement and death Captain Rowan resided in Springfield, Virginia, Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Williamsburg, Virginia, with his wife Mary until his death on October 6, 2012. He received a burial with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery on October 18, 2012.

Military awards and decorations

Legion of MeritPurple Heart with 2 Gold StarsAmerican Defense Service MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 9 Battle StarsAmerican Campaign MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalWorld War II Victory MedalNational Defense Service Medal with bronze starPhilippine Liberation Medal