This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Crommelin, Henry (Silver Star), VADM USN(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Montgomery
Last Address Montgomery
Date of Passing Mar 02, 1971
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Henry Crommelin (NSN: 0-59421), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action prior to the landings at Tarawa on 20 - 23 November 1943. In his Division Leader with one other ship of his Division, he entered Tarawa Lagoon under heavy fire from shore batteries in advance of the assault landing craft. His ships succeeded in silencing several enemy batteries and effectively carried out all assigned and requested fire support tasks from inside the lagoon. Just before entering the lagoon, his Division Leader was hit three times by five-inch shells. The uncharted waters of the lagoon contained many coral heads and reefs. His skillful and resolute leadership contributed materially to the capture of Bititu and the occupation of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01891 (May 14, 1944)
CLASS - DES MOINES
Displacement 17,000 Tons, Dimensions, 716' 6" (oa) x 76' 4" x 26' (Max)
Armament 9 x 8"/55, 12 x 5"/38AA, 24 x 3"/50, 24 x 20mm, 4 Aircraft
Armor, 6" Belt, 8" Turrets, 3 1/2" Deck, 6 1/2" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 120,000 SHP; G. E. Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 1799.
Operational and Building Data
Keel laid on 28 MAY 1945 by the Bethlehem Steel Company, Quincy, MA
Launched 27 SEP 1946
Commissioned 17 NOV 1948
Decommissioned 14 JUL 1961
Stricken 09 JUL 1991
Fate: Scrapping completed by ESCO Marine, Inc., Brownsville, TX on 16 AUG 2007.Hull number CA-134
