Hilan Ebert


Hilan Verle Ebert, born March 21, 1903 in Alliance, Ohio, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1926.[1]

Hilan V. Ebert
Birth nameHilan Verle Ebert
Nickname(s)"Ebe"
Born(1903-03-21)March 21, 1903
Alliance, Ohio, U.S.
DiedNovember 30, 1942(1942-11-30) (aged 39)
Guadalcanal
Buried
Killed in action
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1926–1942
Rank Lieutenant commander
UnitUSS Northampton (CA-26)
Battles/warsWorld War II
Battle of Tassafaronga
Awards Navy Cross
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon

LCDR Ebert served in various billets afloat and ashore until assigned to USS Northampton in April 1942. He was killed November 30, 1942, when his ship was torpedoed in the Battle of Tassafaronga off Guadalcanal.[2] He is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Philippines.[3]

Awarded the Navy Cross

He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his courage and disregard for his own safety beyond the call of duty until his ship was lost.

"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Hilan Ebert, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Engineering Officer aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. NORTHAMPTON (CA-26), after the torpedoing of his ship in enemy-controlled waters during the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Stationed in the after engine room at the time the Northampton was torpedoed and set afire, Lieutenant Commander Ebert persistently carried out his duties despite the fact that his station, immediately after the explosion, became flooded with oil and water. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Ebert throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."[4]

General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943) Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Commander

Namesake

USS Ebert was named in his honor. The ship was launched May 11, 1944 by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Tampa, Florida; sponsored by Mrs. Hilan Ebert, widow of Lieutenant Commander Ebert, and commissioned July 12, 1944.

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References
  1. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/research-guides/modern-biographical-files-ndl/modern-bios-e/ebert-hilan.html
  2. Naval History and Heritage Command
  3. American Battle Monuments Commission
  4. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/research-guides/modern-biographical-files-ndl/modern-bios-e/ebert-hilan.html
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
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