Willard A. Saunders

Willard Arthur Saunders (25 Oct 1904 – 02 Nov 1969), was a decorated submarine commander during World War II who reached the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.[4]

Willard Arthur Saunders
Born(1904-10-25)October 25, 1904
Escanaba, Michigan
DiedNovember 2, 1969(1969-11-02) (aged 65)
Buried
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Branch United States Navy
Years of service1927-1957
1962-1964
Rank Rear Admiral
Commands heldUSS S-21 (SS-126)
USS S-26 (SS-131)
USS S-24 (SS-129)
USS S-30 (SS-135)
USS Grayback (SS-208)
USS Muskallunge
Submarine Division 62
Submarine Division 73
Submarine Base Key West[1]
Destroyer Squadron 30
USS Mount Olympus
USS Pelican (AM-27) [2]
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsNavy Cross
Legion of Merit
Commendation Medal
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
Spouse(s)Eleanor Louise Kyle
ChildrenCDR Wesley Whitin Saunders [3]

Biography

Saunders was born on October 25, 1904 in Escanaba, Michigan and graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in summer 1927. He participated in the Nicaraguan campaign and Yangtze Patrol and later trained as submariner. At the beginning of the World War II, Saunders commanded newly commissioned submarine USS Grayback until mid-September 1942 and received the Navy Cross for patrol along the coast of Saipan and Guam deep in enemy territory.

He was then appointed commander of another new submarine USS Muskallunge and took part in the attacks on enemy supply convoys. Saunders remained in command of that vessel until November 1943 and received Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".

Following the War, Saunders served as Commander, Submarine Base Key West and rose to the rank of Rear admiral. He retired from active service, but remained on active duty, serving as Director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board from July 1, 1963 to August 31, 1964. Responsible to the Council of Delegates of the Board for the leadership and guidance required to produce successful solutions to the problems of common hemispheric defense of the American Continent. Saunders was decorated with Legion of Merit for his service.[4]

References
  1. "Submarine Commanders". www.fleetorganization.com.
  2. "Pelican (AM 27)". NavSource Naval History. 1917-11-10. Retrieved 2020-01-09.
  3. "Rear Adm. Willard A. Saunders, USN, (ret.)". Annapolis, Maryland. The Capital. 4 Nov 1969. p. 6. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  4. "Willard Saunders - Recipient - Military Times Hall Of Valor". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.


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