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Campbell, Colin

Date of birth:
November 23rd, 1895 (Pittsburg/Kansas, United States)
Date of death:
July 26th, 1970 (Annapolis/Maryland, United States)
Buried on:
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Commanding officer, U.S.S. Saint Louis (CL 49), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
December 1943
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. ST. LOUIS (CL-49), during operations in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. As part of a Task Force in close support of the landing of United States troops at Rice Anchorage on New Georgia Island, Captain Campbell skillfully maneuvered his ship through restricted submarine-infested waters and effectively bombarded enemy shore batteries and installations in the face of intense Japanese gun and torpedo fire. Twenty-four hours later, the ST. LOUIS, leading the cruiser formation during one phase of the action, participated in an engagement with a numerically superior Japanese naval force and, through Captain Campbell's brilliant direction of her naval gunfire, assisted materially in the sinking or severe damaging of all the hostile vessels. The inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty displayed by Captain Campbell under fire contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital operations and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Commanding officer, U.S.S. ST. Louis (CL-49), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
December 1943
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. ST. LOUIS (CL-49) during the engagement with enemy Japanese naval forces off Kolombangara Island, Solomon Islands, in the early morning of 13 July 1943. Leading the cruiser line of battle in the second phase of this action against six hostile vessels, Captain Campbell directed the highly sustained and accurate fire upon the opposing formation, contributing in large measure to the complete destruction of at least four and probably all of the Japanese ships. Maneuvering the ST. LOUIS with brilliant seamanship and great tactical skill when attacked later by four enemy destroyers, he succeeded in avoiding several torpedoes and in spite of one serious hit by enemy fire, calmly directed the control of damage and finally brought his ship safely to port. Captain Campbell's inspiring leadership and the gallant devotion to duty of his command reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 321
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

4 campaign stars
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Sources