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Daspit, Lawrence Randall "Dan"

    Date of birth:
    October 18th, 1905 (Houma/Louisiana, United States)
    Date of death:
    May 31st, 1979
    Buried on:
    Arlington National Cemetery
    Plot: 3. Grave: 4466.
    Nationality:
    American (1776 - present, Republic)

    Biography

    Lawrence Daspit sailed numerous submarine (Gato and Balao class, diesel electric, fleet boats) war patrols in the Pacific, primarily against Japanese naval combatants and merchant vessels. USS Tinosa, SS-283, was distinguished by Captain Daspit's calculated and aggressive pursuit of the enemy. While on the Tinosa's fourth war patrol, he relentlessly studied problems with torpedo effectiveness while under battle conditions by making various approaches on targets and documenting his preparation for each shot and the results. When he returned from patrol to Pearl Harbor he made a vigorous presentation to Admiral Lockwood and subsequently the Navy Bureau of Ordinance to isolate the torpedo problems and make corrective action. As result he was awarded the Navy Cross and received accelerated promotions to full Captain and then Admiral. He recommended others of his crew for medals/recognition in support of his pressing modifications to torpedos.

    Promotions:
    1927: Ensign;
    1932(?): Lieutenant (junior grade);
    1938(?): Lieutenant.

    Career:
    1927: Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland;
    January 1929: U.S.S. New York;
    July 1929: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida;
    1932: U.S.S. Childs;
    1934: U.S.S. S-20;
    1937: University of California, Berkeley, California;
    1938: U.S.S. Pike;
    15th January 1943 - December 1943: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-283);
    30th August 1952 - 22nd July 1953: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Los Angeles (CA-135);
    1960: Commander Submarines Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT);
    16th July 1965 - 31st October 1967: Commanding Officer Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia.

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Commander
    Unit:
    U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-283), U.S. Navy
    Awarded on:
    September 1944
    Synopsis:
    "For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-238), during a War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific Theater of Operations. Commander Daspit courageously and skillfully maneuvered his vessel into position from which to strike the enemy, and aggressively attacked in the face of heavy and persistent enemy countermeasures, sinking enemy vessels totaling over 18,000 tons, and damaging an additional 7,000 tons. Although severely depth-charged, he handled his ship expertly and avoided severe counter-measures, and brought her to port without serious injury to ship or crew. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 330 (September 1944).
    Navy Cross
    Period:
    Korean War (1950-1953)
    Rank:
    Captain
    Unit:
    U.S.S. Los Angeles (CA-135), U.S. Navy
    "For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of U.S.S. LOS ANGELES (CA-135) and Commander of numerous Task Elements from 11 October 1952 to 24 April 1953. (Captain Daspit is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)"

    Combat "V"
    Legion of Merit - US Military
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    With "Combat "V"
    Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    With Gold and Silver Star, as well as "V" devicd
    Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCOM)
    Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    1 service star
    American Defence Service Medal
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    1 service star
    American Campaign Medal
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    4 service stars
    Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
    Period:
    After War Period (1945-now)

    1 service star
    National Defense Service Medal (NDSM)
    Period:
    Korean War (1950-1953)

    2 service stars
    Korean Service Medal (KSM)

    Sources

    • Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
    • - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
      - Verbal recounts of Electricians Mate Vernon Everett Linth
      - Home of Heroes
      - U-boat net
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, July 1, 1927
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, January 1, 1929
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, July 1, 1929
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, January 1, 1932
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, April 1, 1934
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, April 1, 1937
      - Navy Directory, Officer of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, January 1, 1938
      - Valor Awards
      - U.S. Navy Records Search & Veteran Locator | TWS

    Photo