McKenna, Francis Joseph, RADM

Following his retirement from the Navy in 1950, Admiral McKenna worked as a full-time, and later a part-time, consultant to the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, until retiring for good in 1961.  He and his family resided in Manhasset, New York from 1948 until his death from cancer on 29 May, 1969.

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions during World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. St. Lo (CVE-63)
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 339 (June 1945)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Francis Joseph McKenna, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during operations against major elements of the Japanese Fleet near Samar Island in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. With a superb display of seamanship, Captain McKenna maneuvered his ship to avoid crippling blows from the constant gunfire of a rapidly advancing enemy, superior in numbers, armor, firepower and speed. Having survived this crucial ordeal, his ship shortly afterwards was hit and destroyed by the determined attack of an enemy airplane. Captain McKenna was the last man to leave his doomed ship, and his extraordinary courage and magnificent fighting spirit will live forever in the minds of the officers and men who served with him that day. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.