Years of service 1912-1947 | Name Mahlon Tisdale Rank Vice Admiral | |
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Born December 6, 1890
Wenona, Illinois ( 1890-12-06 ) Battles/wars World War I
World War II
Battle of Tassafaronga Awards Navy Cross (2)
Distinguished Service Medal Died July 12, 1972, Vallejo, California, United States Battles and wars World War I, Battle of Tassafaronga, World War II | ||
Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Navy Commands held USS Farenholt (DD-332) | ||
Mahlon Street Tisdale (December 6, 1890 – July 12, 1972) was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. He was awarded two Navy Crosses, one for staff service in World War I, and another during the Battle of Tassafaronga in World War II.
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Early life
Mahlon Street Tisdale was born on December 6, 1890 in Wenona, Illinois. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1908 and graduated with a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy on 7 June 1912. Before World War I, Tisdale served aboard cruisers USS North Dakota and USS Salem. Aboard USS Salem, Tisdale participated in the Veracruz Expedition in 1914.
When United States entered the World War I, Tisdale was appointed an Aide and Flag secretary on the staff of Commander Patrol Force, Atlantic Fleet and later served on USS Birmingham, as Aide on the staff of Vice Admiral Henry Braid Wilson Commander of U.S. Naval Forces in France. For this service, Tisdale received a Navy Cross.
After return to the United States in January 1919, Tisdale served as executive officer on USS Hart. He stayed in this capacity until March 1920, when he was transferred to the USS Ludlow. In January 1921, he was transfer to the staff of the Commander, Battleship Division Six, Pacific Fleet, where he served aboard USS Wyoming as division radio officer.
In June 1921, Tisdale was transferred to the Naval Academy, where he became an superintendent. Subsequently, Tisdale received his first command, when he served as commander of the USS Farenholt from October 23, 1926 until June, 1928.
Naval career
Tisdale's career including surface command (USS Farenholt), USS Chester, various staff positions, and Commander, Destroyers, Pacific Fleet (ComDesPac) during World War II. He was also Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy at the start of World War II. After his superior's ship was put out of action during the Battle of Tassafaronga he assumed command of the task force, continuing the battle from the USS Honolulu. For his actions, Tisdale was awarded a star to his existing Navy Cross.
Decorations
Vice Admiral Tisdale´s ribbon bar:
Legacy
The Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigate USS Mahlon S. Tisdale (FFG-27) was named in his honor.