Charles P. Cecil

Charles Purcell Cecil (4 September 1893 – 31 July 1944) was a US Navy Admiral during World War II and two time recipient of the Navy Cross.

Charles Purcell Cecil
Born4 September 1893
Louisville, Kentucky
Died31 July 1944 (1944-08-01) (aged 50)
Vicinity of Funafuti, Pacific Ocean[1]
Buried
Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1916 – 1944
Rank Rear Admiral
Commands held
Battles/warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsNavy Cross
Bronze Star Medal

Background

Charles Purcell Cecil was born in Louisville, Kentucky, 4 September 1893. He graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned ensign in 1916.[2] He served aboard USS Yankton (1893) during World War I. He was Commanding officer of USS Greer (DD-145) and USS Cummings (DD-365) in the 1930s prior to World War II.[3]

World War II

Cecil was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. In November 1942, Captain Cecil assumed command of the USS Helena (CL-50). On 6 July 1943 he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands in the Battle of Kula Gulf.[4]

Cecil was killed in a plane crash near Funafuti on 31 July 1944 while traveling between assignments in the Pacific. 18 others were lost in the accident including Walter S. Gifford Jr., son of the president of AT&T.[5]

Admiral Cecil is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[6]

Awards and honors

A graphical representation of a selection of Admiral Cecil's personal decorations:

The USS Charles P. Cecil (DD-835) was named in his honor and commissioned on 29 June 1945.

References
  1. As engraved on tombstone
  2. "USS Charles P. Cecil". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command.
  3. "Charles Purcell Cecil". Unofficial Arlington National Cemetery website. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  4. "Charles Purcell Cecil". Military Times Hall of Valor. Archived from the original on 12 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  5. "18 Others Killed in crash in which Cecil was killed". The Evening Independent. 3 August 1944.
  6. "Explore the cemetery". arlingtoncemetery.mil.


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