John Reeves Pierce

Infobox Military Person
name= John Reeves Pierce
lived= 3 November 1906 - 10 January 1943
placeofbirth=Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone
placeofdeath= at sea


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allegiance=United States
serviceyears=1928-1943
rank= Lieutenant Commander
commands=USS|Argonaut|SM-1
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John Reeves Pierce (3 November 1906 – 10 January 1943) was an officer in the United States Navy.

Born in Cristobal, Panama Canal Zone, Pierce graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1928. Following flight training and submarine instruction, he served in submarine USS S-29 and studied marine engineering at the University of California. After serving in USS|Nautilus|SS-168 and USS|Narwhal|SS-167, he assumed command of USS|S-23|SS-128 15 February 1941. Appointed Lieutenant Commander 2 January 1942, Pierce on 22 June took command of USS|Argonaut|SM-1, a transport submarine, which participated with "Nautilus" in carrying out the famed, diversionary Makin Raid from 17 to 19 August.

On her third war patrol in the Southwest Pacific, "Argonaut" sighted an enemy convoy protected by planes and destroyers. Built as our first large minelaying submarine, she lacked proper submerged maneuverability during combat operations. When detected, she came under a vicious enemy attack. The gallant Argonaut surfaced and pressed home an aggressive counter attack, severely damaging a Japanese destroyer before succumbing to heavy enemy fire 10 January 1943. For his demonstration of courageous leadership and unyielding devotion to duty Lt. Comdr. Pierce was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

USS "John R. Pierce" was named for him.