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English, Robert Henry

    Date of birth:
    January 16th, 1888 (Warrenton/Georgia, United States)
    Date of death:
    January 21st, 1943 (California, United States)
    Buried on:
    Arlington National Cemetery
    Plot: 8. Grave: 5118.
    Service number:
    0-7724
    Nationality:
    American (1776 - present, Republic)

    Biography

    Robert Henry English was born on January 16th 1888 in Warrenton, Georgia. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy class of 1911,and became a submariner early in his career. He won the Navy Cross for heroism in rescuing an officer who was trapped after an explosion in the O-5 (SS-66), while he was commanding the O-4 (SS-65) in 1917.

    As commander of the USS Helena (CL-50), he was one of the first to bring his ship into action during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941. He became commander of the Submarines in the US Pacific Fleet on May 14th 1942. On January 21st 1943 he was killed during a plane crash in California.

    The USS English (DD-696), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, was named in his honor.

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    Period:
    First World War (1914-1918)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant Commander
    Unit:
    U.S.S. O-5, U.S. Navy
    "For distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. 0-4, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested by enemy submarines, destroyers and mines, protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity during World War I."
    Navy Cross
    Period:
    First World War (1914-1918)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant Commander
    Unit:
    U.S.S. O-5, U.S. Navy
    "For his heroic conduct upon the occasion of the explosion on the U.S.S. 0-5. At the risk of his own life Lieutenant Commander English entered the after battery compartment, which was filled with smoke and debris from the exploding batteries, and rescued Lieutenant Commander G. A. Trever, U.S.N., from being burned to death."

    Second NC received as Gold Star on the ribbon of the first medal.
    Navy Cross
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Rear Admiral
    Unit:
    Commander, Submarines, Pacific Fleet, U.S. Navy
    "For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, Submarines, Pacific Fleet, during World War II. In that position of great responsibility, he directed the operations of his command with marked skill and resourcefulness, as a result of which heavy damage was inflicted on enemy ships and shipping. His example of tenacity and devotion to duty was in large part responsible for the high degree of combat efficiency attained by his command."

    Commander in Chief: Serial 1158 (posthumously awarded)
    Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

    Sources

    Photo