World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Born at Selma, Alabama and served as a US Navy Commander. From January 10 to February 7, 1943, he was commanding officer of the submarine USS Growler (SS-215), on her forth patrol in the Southwest Pacific. Striking at the enemy in spite of continuous hostile air and antisubmarine patrols, he sank one Japanese freighter and damaged another with torpedo fire. In the darkness of night on February 7, an enemy gunboat closed range and prepared to ram the USS Growler. He maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side and bursting wide her plates. In the fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy machineguns, he gave the order to clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck while his men preceded below. Severely wounded and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments, he gave his last order to the deck officer, "Take her down." The Growler dived, seriously damaged but was brought safely to port by her crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their dead captain. His other award includes the Navy Cross with one gold star. His name can be found on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. Born at Selma, Alabama and served as a US Navy Commander. From January 10 to February 7, 1943, he was commanding officer of the submarine USS Growler (SS-215), on her forth patrol in the Southwest Pacific. Striking at the enemy in spite of continuous hostile air and antisubmarine patrols, he sank one Japanese freighter and damaged another with torpedo fire. In the darkness of night on February 7, an enemy gunboat closed range and prepared to ram the USS Growler. He maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side and bursting wide her plates. In the fire of the sinking gunboat's heavy machineguns, he gave the order to clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck while his men preceded below. Severely wounded and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments, he gave his last order to the deck officer, "Take her down." The Growler dived, seriously damaged but was brought safely to port by her crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their dead captain. His other award includes the Navy Cross with one gold star. His name can be found on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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CMDR, US NAVY WORLD WAR II
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