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 United States Ship South-29 and studied marine engineering at the University of California.
After serving in United States Ship Nautilus (Steamship-168) and United States Ship Narwhal (Steamship-167), he assumed command of United States Ship South-23 (Steamship-128) 15 February 1941. Appointed Lieutenant Commander 2 January 1942, Pierce on 22 June took command of United States Ship Argonaut (Master of Science-1), a transport submarine, which participated with Nautilus in carrying out the famed, diversionary Makin Raid from 17 to 19 August. 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 counterattack, severely damaging a Japanese destroyer before succumbing to heavy enemy fire 10 January 1943. Foreign his demonstration of courageous leadership and unyielding devotion to duty Lieutenant
Commander United States Ship John R. Pierce was named for him.
