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Glassford, William Alexander Jr.

Date of birth:
June 6th, 1886 (San Francisco/California, United States)
Date of death:
July 30th, 1958 (San Diego/California, United States)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 1. Grave: 514.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Shaw (DD-68), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
1918
"For exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SHAW upon the occasion of the collision between that vessel and H.M.S. AQUTANITA on 9 October 1918, when his presence of mind, prompt and courageous action and resolute persistence and further, as a result of the splendid discipline of those under his command, the SHAW was saved from becoming a total loss and was safely brought into port after her bow had been completely severed from the remainder of the ship, and the ship still further endangered by fire and by threatened explosion of ammunition."
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Awarded on:
1941
Yangtze Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Vice Admiral
Unit:
U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
August 6th, 1942
For combat against Japan during the sea battle in the Strait of Lombok on 19/20 February 1942.
Grootofficier in de Orde van Oranje Nassau (ON.2)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
Unit:
Task Force 5, Asiatic Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
June 1943
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as head of a mission of grave importance at Dakar, French West Africa during World War II. By his intelligent and tactful direction of negotiations with the representatives of France, he was able to pave the way for close and effective operations at sea in that important area. His profound understanding and judicious conduct of an undertaking of far-reaching significance were decisive factors in the successful accomplishment of a strategic mission."

Second DSM received as Gold Star
--
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315
Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1948
Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)

With "Destroyer" clasp
World War I Victory Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "Fleet" clasp
American Defence Service Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 2 service stars
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 1 service star
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Sources

Photo

Themes