Role Gearing-class destroyer Builder Bath Iron Works Name Charles Cecil Launched April 2, 1945 | Years of service 1916 – 1944 Length 119 m | |
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Allegiance | ||
Construction started December 2, 1944 | ||
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.
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Background
Charles Purcell Cecil was born in Louisville, Kentucky, 4 September 1893. He graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned ensign in 1916. 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.
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, Rear Admiral 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.
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.
Admiral Cecil is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
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.