Chain of Command
On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of Salt Lake City (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the cruiser against Japanese surface units off Savo Island, 11–12 October 1942 in the Battle of Cape Esperance. From January to August 1943 he served eminently as war plans officer on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. He spent the next year in distinguished performance as Commander Cruiser Division 5. Rear Admiral Small died in Brooklyn, New York on 27 December 1944.
Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admir... Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States Commanding the cruisers of a fast carrier task group during operations against the Gilbert Islands in World War II. Admiral Small provided decisive support for our amphibious landings at Tarawa and Abemama. Handicapped by limited forces and with but little air support in our assault on the Marshall Islands, he succeeded in neutralizing important Japanese bases at Wotje and Maleolap. He worked tirelessly during the powerful carrier strike against Palau, Yap and Woleai on 29 - 30 March 1944 and 1 April 1944.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)
Action Date: 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments Navy Distinguished Service Medal - Second Award:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Med... Navy Distinguished Service Medal - Second Award:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States Commanding the cruisers of a fast carrier task group during operations against the Gilbert Islands in World War II. Admiral Small provided decisive support for our amphibious landings at Tarawa and Abemama. Handicapped by limited forces and with but little air support in our assault on the Marshall Islands, he succeeded in neutralizing important Japanese bases at Wotje and Maleolap. He worked tirelessly during the powerful carrier strike against Palau, Yap and Woleai on 29 - 30 March 1944 and 1 April 1944.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)
Action Date: 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments Legion of Merit - Second Award (Star)
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a... Legion of Merit - Second Award (Star)
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral MoreHide
Chain of Command
On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of Salt Lake City (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the cruiser against Japanese surface units off Savo Island, 11–12 October 1942 in the Battle of Cape Esperance. From January to August 1943 he served eminently as war plans officer on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. He spent the next year in distinguished performance as Commander Cruiser Division 5. Rear Admiral Small died in Brooklyn, New York on 27 December 1944.
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments Navy Cross:
Awarded for actions during the World War II.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Ernest Gregor Small, United... Navy Cross:
Awarded for actions during the World War II.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 - 12 October 1942. Due to his aggressiveness and determined action, and through his skill and devotion to duty, a superior Japanese force heading for Guadalcanal was destroyed or turned back. In one phase of this engagement his excellent seamanship was a deciding factor in protecting the heavily hit U.S.S. BOISE from further damage. The success of this action prevented a planned Japanese attack on our positions at Guadalcanal and prevented the enemy from landing reinforcements on that island. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval service.
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the L... Legion of Merit
Awarded for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Cape Esperance (Second Savo) October 11–12, 1942. The Battle of Cape Esperance, also known as the Second Battle of Savo Island and, in Japanese sources, as the Sea Battle of Savo Island, took place onCape Esperance (Second Savo) October 11–12, 1942. The Battle of Cape Esperance, also known as the Second Battle of Savo Island and, in Japanese sources, as the Sea Battle of Savo Island, took place on 11–12 October 1942, and was a naval battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and United States Navy. The battle was the second of four major surface engagements during the Guadalcanal campaign and took place at the entrance to the strait between Savo Island and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Cape Esperance (9°15′S 159°42′E) is the northernmost point on Guadalcanal, and the battle took its name from this point.
On the night of 11 October, Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area—under the command of Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa—sent a major supply and reinforcement convoy to their forces on Guadalcanal. The convoy consisted of two seaplane tenders and six destroyers and was commanded by Rear Admiral Takatsugu Jojima. At the same time, but in a separate operation, three heavy cruisers and two destroyers—under the command of Rear Admiral Aritomo Goto-were to bombard the Allied airfield on Guadalcanal (called Henderson Field by the Allies) with the object of destroying Allied aircraft and the airfield's facilities.
Shortly before midnight on 11 October, a U.S force of four cruisers and five destroyers—under the command of Rear Admiral Norman Scott—intercepted Goto's force as it approached Savo Island near Guadalcanal. Taking the Japanese by surprise, Scott's warships sank one of Goto's cruisers and one of his destroyers, heavily damaged another cruiser, mortally wounded Goto, and forced the rest of Goto's warships to abandon the bombardment mission and retreat. During the exchange of gunfire, one of Scott's destroyers was sunk and one cruiser and another destroyer were heavily damaged. In the meantime, the Japanese supply convoy successfully completed unloading at Guadalcanal and began its return journey without being discovered by Scott's force. Later on the morning of 12 October, four Japanese destroyers from the supply convoy turned back to assist Goto's retreating, damaged warships. Air attacks by U.S. aircraft from Henderson Field sank two of these destroyers later that day.
As with the preceding naval engagements, around Guadalcanal, the strategic outcome was inconsequential because neither the Japanese nor United States navies secured operational control of the waters around Guadalcanal as a result of this action. However, the Battle of Cape Esperance provided a significant morale boost to the US Navy after the disaster of Savo Island.... More
Memories On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of Salt Lake City (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of Salt Lake City (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the cruiser against Japanese surface units off Savo Island, 11–12 October 1942 in the Battle of Cape Esperance.... More
Ernest Gregor Small was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on 5 November 1888. He graduated fom the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign on 7 June 1912. From 1940-1942, he headed the Ordnance and Gunnery Department at the Naval Academy. On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of the heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CA 25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the cruiser against Japanese surface vessels off Savo Island near Guadalcanal, 11-12 October 1942. From January to August 1943 he served eminently as war plans officer on the staff of the Commander Cruiser Division Five. Rear Admiral Small died in Brooklyn, New York on 27 December 1944.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Chain of Command
Lt. Cdr. Ernest G. Small, Executive Officer, USS Gridley DD-92.
Listed as Earnest G. Small.
Other Memories
Gridley was launched by the Union Iron Works of San Francisco, California, 4 July 1918; sponsored by Mrs. Francis P. Thomas, daughter of Captain Gridley, and commissioned 8 March 1919, Comdr. Frank Jack Fletcher in command.
After fitting out at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Gridley departed San Diego 24 March 1919, transited the Panama Canal, and joined the Destroyer Force for maneuvers in Cuban waters. She then repaired briefly at Norfolk, Virginia, before putting into New York 26 April 1919. Gridley's first assignment was with a group of destroyers posted along the route of the Navy's transatlantic seaplane flight. Gridley and her companions sent up smoke and flare signals to guide the intrepid flyers and with the help of the surface ships NC-4 was able to land in the dense fog at the Azores 17 May 1919. Subsequently Gridley participated in the search for NC-1, forced down in the fog, and then acted as guard ship on the last leg of NC-4's historic flight, which was completed at Plymouth, England, 31 May 1919.
Gridley arrived at Brest, France, 31 May and spent the next 2 months in various ports of the Mediterranean transporting passengers and making goodwill visits. She arrived back at New York 31 July. Operating out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Gridley embarked Major General Lejeune and Brigadier General Butler of the Marine Corps at Charleston 2 September 1920, for an inspection tour of Caribbean bases and commands, including posts in Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Her distinguished passengers disembarked 27 September 1920.
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of Salt Lake City (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the cruiser against Japanese surface units off Savo Island, 11–12 October 1942 in the Battle of Cape Esperance. From January to August 1943 he served eminently as war plans officer on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. He spent the next year in distinguished performance as Commander Cruiser Division 5. Rear Admiral Small died in Brooklyn, New York on 27 December 1944.