TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

DuBose, Laurance Toombs

Date of birth:
May 21st, 1893
Date of death:
July 11th, 1967 (Charleston/South Carolina, United States)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 1. Grave: 144-G.
Service number:
103 30 5800
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Laurence Toombs DuBose was born on May 21st, 1893 as the son to Dr. George Pierce DuBose and Louisa Toombs DuBose. He married Gertrude Thompson on November 22nd, 1921.

Promotions:
1913: Ensign;
1942: Captain;
1943: Rear Admiral;
1948: Vice Admiral;
?: Admiral.

Career:
? - 1913: Naval Academy;
May 16th, 1942 - April 20th, 1943: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Portland (CA-33);
May 5th, 1943 - May 7th, 1943: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Portland (CA-33);
May 1943: Commanding Officer Cruiser Division 13;
1944: Commanding Officer Task Group 38.3;
?: Commanding Officer Task Force 30.3.1.;
November 1944: President, Naval Examining Board/Senior Member, Board of Decorations and Medals;
August 1948 - January 8th, 1949: Commanding Officer, 1 Task Fleet;
March 1951 - 1953: Chief, Bureau of Naval Personnel;
1953: Commanding Officer, United States Atlantic Sub-area;
June 1st, 1955: Retirement.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
U.S.S. Portland (CA-33), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
March 1943
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. Captain DuBose succeeded in holding his ship to her assigned station, while a task force was being subjected to violent and sustained torpedo dive, and horizontal bombing attacks. Captain DuBose's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service."

Date of action, October 26th, 1942.
Navy Cross
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
U.S.S. Portland (CA-33), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
June 1943
Navy Cross
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. PORTLAND (CA-33), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12- 13 November 1942. On this occasion the force to which Captain DuBose was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country's forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Captain DuBose contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second NC received in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first NC.
Date of action: November 12th/13th, 1942.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
Unit:
Task Force 30.3.1, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
February 1945
Navy Cross
CItation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Task Force 30.3.1 during operations near Formosa in the Pacific War area from 14 to 17 October 1944. While in command of a specially constituted task group charged with a difficult mission, Rear Admiral DuBose's task group was attacked repeatedly by large numbers of Japanese aircraft. However, Rear Admiral DuBose fought his group so skillfully that practically all the attacking airplanes were destroyed. His unfaltering determination, courageous and intelligent leadership contributed materially to the accomplishment of this mission. The conduct of Rear Admiral DuBose throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Third NC received in the form of a second golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first NC.
Date of action: October 14th-17th, 1944.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral

First Gold Star in lieu
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rear Admiral
Awarded on:
January 1946
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the support unit in a Fast Carrier Task Group during strikes against the Bonins and Yap, and landings on Guam, during World War II."

Second Gold Star in lieu
Legion of Merit - US Military

Sources