General John J. Sheehan, who served as Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic and Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command from 31 October 1994 to 24 September 1997, retired at the conclusion of his tour of duty.

General Sheehan was born on 23 August 1940, in Somerville, Massachusetts and graduated with a B.A. degree in English from Boston College in June 1962. After graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds an M.S. degree from Georgetown University in Government.

He served in various command positions ranging from company commander to brigade commander in both the Atlantic and Pacific theater of operations. General Sheehan’s combat tours include duty in Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

His staff positions included duties as regimental, division, and service headquarters staff officer as well as joint duty with the U.S. Army, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the U.S. Atlantic Command.

Prior to assuming his final duties as Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic and Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command on 31 October 1994, General Sheehan served as Director for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

His professional education includes the Amphibious Warfare School, Naval Command and Staff College, and National War College.

His decorations and medals include: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” and gold star in lieu of a second award; Purple Heart with gold star; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Navy Achievement Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star; Vietnam Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars; Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with silver star; and the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor (First Class).