Multiple Navy Cross recipients of Navy and USMC

[4STARCHRIS]

6. Rueben T. Whitaker.
Final Rank: Rear Admiral.

Graduated from the Naval Academy 1934. Rueben Whitaker was the exective Officer in the Submarine USS Sturgeon when the US declared war on Japan. The boat was at Pearl Harbor, and his Captain, William Leslie Wright enjoyed whiskey, and revelled in relating tall stories after a few of his favourite drinks, hence his nickname " BULL. "

After a night on the grog, he was in no state to go to sea, Whitaker prepared the ship for sea, aided by Chester Nimitz, the 3rd. officer on board, ( he was the son of the famous US wartime Admiral ) Whitaker took the submarine out of Pearl Harbor, and dropped anchor well out into Manila Bay.

The submarine USS Flasher was launched on the 20th. of June 1943 sponsored by Mrs W. A. Saunders. She commissioned on the 25th. of that year with Lieutenant Commander Reuben T. Whitaker appointed in command. She arrived at Pearl from New London on the 15th. of December 1943. In January 1944 Whitaker piloted his boat out of harbour for her first patrol. The remaining patrols under Whitaker were all made out of Fremantle,
Western Australia.

( at that time I was serving in the Australian light cruiser HMASAdelaide, an Australian Army despatch rider's motorcycle ex Singapore had been acquired from mates in the Dutch Cruiser Tromp, with two other young officers in the Adelaide, I shared the ownership of this motor bike. The Captain of the US Submarine Depot ship in Fremantle, and our Commander were very friendly.We acquired a 44 gallon drum of petrol now and then by courtesy of the US Sub Depot ship, which allowed us to run the bike when we had a break from our escort duties in the Indian Ocean. I thus had reason to be thankful for the stationing of US submarines at Fremantle in 1944. )

Patrol 1. January 1944 for 53 days in the area off Mindoro. Results, 4 ships sunk.

Patrol 2. April 1944 for 54 days in the South China Sea. Results, 3 ships sunk.

Patrol 3. June 1944 for 49 days, again in the South China sea. Results, 4.5 ships sunk.

Patrol 4. September 1944 for 51 days in the Manila area. Results, 3 ships sunk.

Note: You may well ask how do you sink a half of a ship. This means the kill was shared with another submarine.

Whitaker was credited with sinking 18.5 ships to total 111,500 tons.

Janec results. Rueben Whitaker's war time results were reduced to 14.5 ships to toal 60,846 tons.

Whitaker now handed over his submarine to Lieutenant Commander G.W. Grider. This boat was decommissioned post war on the 16th. of March 1946. Note: This submarine was named after a large edible fish of the same name, known as a triple tail, found in the Western Atlantic from Cape Cod to South America.

Awards.
Three Navy Crosses. Unit Presidential Citation for the outstanding 3rd. 4th. and 5th. Patrols.

[TLeo]

Capt. Robert F. Farrington USN Ret. Awards include two Navy Crosses awarded for actions just prior and during Battle of Coral Sea, two DFCs, Bronze Star and others.

 

[uniformcollector]

A few more:

 

• Captain Slade Cutter (4 NC, 2 SS, BS)
• Admiral Bernard Clarey (3 NC, 5 DSM, SS, LOM, BS)
• Rear Admiral Charles Cecil (2 NC, BS)
• Captain Phil Bucklew (2 NC, SS, BS)
• Captain Arthur Hawkins (3 NC, 3 DFC, 3 AM)
• Rear Admiral Edmond Konrad (2 NC, SS)
• Rear Admiral Elliott Loughlin (2 NC, 2 LOM, SS)
• Rear Admiral Rodger Simpson (2 NC, LOM, SS)
• Lieutenant Commander Chick Parsons (2 NC, DSC, BS)
• Commander Dudley Morton (4 NC, DSC, PH)
• Commander John Moore (3 NC, PH)

[B24AT6]

If anyone would be interested, Admiral Kauffman's medal grouping is in the National Navy Seal museum, and I could add pictures this weekend for reference.

[bazsi]

Admiral Austin Kelvin Doyle, a double NC recipient.

 

A thread with his miniature medal bar and some photos:

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/137341-admiral-a-k-doyles-miniature-medal-bar/page-2?hl=+austin +kelvin +doyle

 

The citations:

 

No.1.

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Austin Kelvin Doyle, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, from 29 August to 30 October 1944. Under heavy enemy aerial attack while operating close to Japanese shores on 13 and 14 October, Rear Admiral Doyle maintained his ship at full fighting strength which resulted in a number of enemy aircraft being shot down by anti-aircraft fire with no damage to the HORNET. During operations against the Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 and 26 October, he again handled his ship in such an outstanding manner that the full strength of his Air Group was brought to bear against the enemy resulting in heavy damage to and the sinking of capital ships of the Japanese Fleet. By his courage and leadership he contributed directly to the success of our forces in this area and his devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01203 (February 4, 1945)

Action Date: August 29 - October 30, 1944

 

No.2.

 

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Austin Kelvin Doyle, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Western Pacific War Area, from 10 February to 19 May 1945. A bold and inspiring leader, Rear Admiral Doyle directed his ship and attached air group in a series of aggressive operations against the enemy in which 297 hostile planes were shot down and destroyed, important units of the Japanese Fleet damaged, and shore installations and enemy shipping damaged or destroyed. Although the HORNET was subjected to numerous air attacks during this period, he skillfully maneuvered to bring all guns to bear and repulse the enemy planes, of which several were shot down by his ship's anti-aircraft batteries. By his outstanding professional skill, Rear Admiral Doyle maintained the fighting strength of his ship at a peak of efficiency, and his gallant fighting spirit was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0627 (September 19, 1946)

Action Date: February 10 - May 19, 1945

[4STARCHRIS]

Yes, I would be interested in seeing Adm Kaufman's medals. Thanks for asking and going to get the photos for the thread.

4starchris

[B24AT6]

Sorry about the glare, the medals are behind glass and the lighting is hard to work with, but here are Adm Kauffman's medals.

 

[B24AT6]

And a close up on the medals.

 

 

 

[ItemCo16527]

Someone needs to tell the museum they have some of Admiral Kauffman's ribbons labeled wrong.

The "Valorous Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster" is actually the British War Medal 1939-45 with Mention in Despatches oak leaf. And, the "Norwegian War Cross" is actually the Philippine Legion of Honor, degree of Commander.

 

Still, its very cool to see his awards. Never knew what his full entitlement was. Thanks for posting these

[vwprts4u]

 

 

[gunnertwo]

I had the pleasure of visiting with Capt. Stevenson on many occasions.

G2

STEVENSON, WILLIAM A.
(First Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William A. Stevenson, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 9 July 1944 to 18 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Stevenson brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: May 8, 1911 at Liepsie, Ohio
Home Town: Eugene, Oregon
Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)

STEVENSON, WILLIAM A.
(Second Award)
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to William A. Stevenson, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ASPRO (SS-309), during a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area in 1944. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Stevenson throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: May 8, 1911 at Liepsie, Ohio
Home Town: Eugene, Oregon
Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)

[CNY Militaria]

Capt. Robert F. Farrington USN Ret. Awards include two Navy Crosses awarded for actions just prior and during Battle of Coral Sea, two DFCs, Bronze Star and others.

 

He has very interesting citations too! I recently obtained one of his uniforms.

[67Rally]

I have a new one. Rear Admiral Frank W. Fenno. Three Navy Cross Medals and one Distinguished Service Cross, or Silver Star and three Legion of Merit medals. I'll add the cations in the morning.

[67Rally]

Frank Wesley Fenno , Jr., Rear Admiral

 

Date of birth: September 11, 1902
Date of death: September 16, 1973
Place of Birth: Massachusetts, Westminster
Home of record: Westminster Massachusetts

Burial: Arlington National Cemetery

Frank Fenno graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1925. He retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral.

 

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), while operating his submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 12 January 1942 to 3 March 1942, in the performance of an unusual and hazardous mission for the War Department. Carrying a heavy load of anti-aircraft ammunition urgently needed by the beleaguered forces of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippine Islands, the U.S.S. TROUT departed from Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii for Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, at 0900, 12 January 1942, refueling at Midway Island on 16 January 1942. The TROUT proceeded on the surface until 21 January, traveling submerged thereafter during daylight hours. At 0230, 27 January, an unsuccessful night attack was made on a lighted enemy vessel, resulting in the TROUT being chased by the vessel at such speed as to force the TROUT to dive in order to escape. On 3 February 1942, after dark, the TROUT made rendezvous off Corregidor with an escort motor torpedo boat. The TROUT then followed the escort at high speed through a winding passage in a mine field to South Docks, Corregidor Island, where she unloaded 3500 rounds of anti-aircraft artillery ammunition for the Army Forces defending Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor. Twenty tons of gold and silver, securities, diplomatic and United States mail and two additional torpedoes were loaded on the TROUT for the return voyage. The TROUT cleared Corregidor dock at 0400, 4 February, and bottomed in Manila Bay during daylight 4 February. Surfacing that night, additional securities and mail were loaded before the TROUT departed from Manila Bay through the mine field. On the return trip one enemy merchant vessel and one patrol vessel were attacked and sunk. The TROUT arrived at Pearl harbor 3 March 1942 after 51 days at sea. Lieutenant Commander Fenno's example of fearlessness, zeal and devotion to duty resulted in the accomplishment of a mission of great service to the Army of the United States.

General Orders: Headquarters, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 39 (March 17, 1942)

Action Date: January 12 - March 3, 1942

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Commander

Position: Commanding Officer

Command: USS Trout (SS-202)

-----------------------------------------------------

Navy Cross (1st)

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), in successfully completing an unusual and special mission through enemy controlled waters for the United States War Department during the month of January 1942. Upon completion of this mission, and while returning to Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, through enemy infested waters, with a special cargo on board, the U.S.S. Trout attacked and sank a 5,000 ton enemy merchant vessel on 10 February 1942. Furthermore, on the same date, upon being attacked by torpedoes from an enemy patrol vessel, the U.S.S. TROUT attacked and sank the enemy attacking ship, and continued her voyage to Pearl Harbor, arriving there without damage to material or injury to personnel throughout the hazardous operations.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: SERIAL 1123 (April 6, 1942

Action Date: January 12 - March 3, 1942

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Commander

Position: Commanding Officer

Command: USS Trout (SS-202)

-----------------------------------------------------

Navy Cross (2nd)

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel in enemy controlled waters during the period 24 March 1942 to 17 May 1942. Despite strong enemy countermeasures and unfavorable sea conditions, Lieutenant Commander Fenno took advantage of every opportunity to strike the enemy and in a series of skillfully conducted attacks succeeded in sinking a total of 31,000 tons of enemy merchant shipping and damaging another merchantman of 15, 000 tons in the Pacific waters in immediate proximity to enemy shores. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Fenno brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 26 (November 27, 1942)

Action Date: March 24 - May 17, 1942

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Commander

Position: Commanding Officer

Command: USS Trout (SS-202)

-----------------------------------------------------

Navy Cross (3rd)

Awarded for actions during the World War II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Frank Wesley Fenno, Jr. (NSN: 0-59550), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. RUNNER (SS-275), during the FIRST War Patrol of that vessel during the period 18 January through 7 March 1943. Despite determined enemy opposition he succeeded in sinking three freighters for a total of 19,915 tons and damaging two freighters totaling 14,189 tons. Despite the extreme counter efforts of the enemy anti-submarine vessels and aircraft he handled his boat in such an expert manner that he brought it through. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 34

Action Date: January 18 - March 7, 1943

Service: Navy

Rank: Lieutenant Commander

Position: Commanding Officer

Command: USS Runner (SS-275)

[joeclown]

My Grandfather Vice Admiral Theodore D. Ruddock was awarded 2 navy Crosses during WW2. For some reason I can't download any of his bio or pics.

[joeclown]

Found it, my grandfather

RUDDOCK, THEODORE DAVIS, JR.
(First Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Theodore Davis Ruddock, Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Battleship Division FOUR, in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet at the Surigao Straits during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. With his division placed in the strategic T-formation, Rear Admiral Ruddock directed shattering broadsides against a formidable column of Japanese warships. Before they could return effective fire, two enemy battleships and three destroyers were annihilated. Rear Admiral Ruddock's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)
Born: December 23, 1892 at Anderson, South Carolina
Home Town: Annapolis, Maryland
Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)

RUDDOCK, THEODORE DAVIS, JR.
(Second Award)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Theodore Davis Ruddock, Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Group 77.12, during operations in support of the assault and landings at Mindoro in the Philippine Islands during the period 12 to 17 December 1944. Rear Admiral Ruddock held his battleships, escort carriers, cruisers and destroyers to an undeviating course through the dangerous waters of the Mindanao and Sulu seas and, within easy striking distance of about 600 hostile aircraft. Fighting off savage aerial onslaughts, he directed a continuous, accurate bombardment of coastal defenses, providing effective protection for our ground forces throughout the landing operations. Rear Admiral Ruddock's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)
Born: December 23, 1892 at Anderson, South Carolina
Home Town: Annapolis, Maryland
Awards: 2@ Navy Crosses (WWII)

 

[lovmilinsig]

Very interesting thread.

 

Ed