John Hein was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on 21 September 1907. He enlisted in the Navy in November 1926. By 1938, Hein had risen to the rating of SM1/c, and in April of that year was appointed a Warrant Officer as a Boatswain. While serving on USS Tern in 1940, Hein was recommended for commissioning. He served as a commissioned officer until February 1957, when he retired with the rank of Commander. During this time, Hein was attached to a number of sea and shore commands, including duty on the staff of Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier, command of USS Moctobi and Sussex, and as Officer in Charge of the Butte, Montana Recruiting District.
From the description of Papers, 1936-1957. (Navy Department Library, Naval History & Heritage Command). WorldCat record id: 60326110
