Willard A. Saunders
Willard Arthur Saunders | |
---|---|
Born | Escanaba, Michigan | October 25, 1904
Died | November 2, 1969 | (aged 65)
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1927-1957 1962-1964 |
Rank | Rear Admiral |
Commands | USS S-21 (SS-126) USS S-26 (SS-131) USS S-24 (SS-129) USS S-30 (SS-135) USS Grayback (SS-208) USS Muskallunge Submarine Division 62 Submarine Division 73 Submarine Base Key West[1] Destroyer Squadron 30 USS Mount Olympus USS Pelican (AM-27) [2] |
Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
Awards | Navy Cross Legion of Merit Commendation Medal |
Alma mater | United States Naval Academy |
Spouse(s) | Eleanor Louise Kyle |
Children | CDR Wesley Whitin Saunders [3] |
Willard Arthur Saunders (25 Oct 1904 – 02 Nov 1969), was a decorated submarine commander during World War II who reached the rank of Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.[4]
Biography
Saunders was born on October 25, 1904 in Escanaba, Michigan and graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in summer 1927. He participated in the Nicaraguan campaign and Yangtze Patrol and later trained as submariner. At the beginning of the World War II, Saunders commanded newly commissioned submarine USS Grayback until mid-September 1942 and received the Navy Cross for patrol along the coast of Saipan and Guam deep in enemy territory.
He was then appointed commander of another new submarine USS Muskallunge and took part in the attacks on enemy supply convoys. Saunders remained in command of that vessel until November 1943 and received Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".
Following the War, Saunders served as Commander, Submarine Base Key West and rose to the rank of Rear admiral. He retired from active service, but remained on active duty, serving as Director of the International Staff of the Inter-American Defense Board from July 1, 1963 to August 31, 1964. Responsible to the Council of Delegates of the Board for the leadership and guidance required to produce successful solutions to the problems of common hemispheric defense of the American Continent. Saunders was decorated with Legion of Merit for his service.[4]
References
- ^ "Submarine Commanders". www.fleetorganization.com.
- ^ "Rear Adm. Willard A. Saunders, USN, (ret.)". Annapolis, Maryland. The Capital. 4 Nov 1969. p. 6. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
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(help) - ^ a b "Willard Saunders - Recipient - Military Times Hall Of Valor". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2019-12-11.