Date of birth:

September 4th, 1893 (Louisville/Kentucky, United States)

Date of death:

July 31st, 1944 (Pacific Ocean)

Nationality:

American

Charles Purcell Cecil was born in Louisville, Kentucky, 4 September 1893. He graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned Ensign in 1916. His extraordinary heroism in World War II, first as commander of Destroyer Division 5 in the Battle of Santa Cruz, 26 October 1942, and later as commanding officer of USS Helena (CL-50) in hazardous mine laying and shore bombardment off Kolombaranga, 13 May 1943 and in the Battle of Kula Gulf, 5-6 July 1943 were recognized with the Navy Cross, a Gold Star in lieu of a second Navy Cross, and the Bronze Star. Rear Admiral Cecil was killed in an airplane crash in the Pacific 31 July 1944.

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• - C.D. Sterner, Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
  - Department of the Nay-- Naval Historical Center 805 Kidder Breeze SE -- Washington Navy Yard Washington DC 20374-5060