This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Lent, Willis (Pilly) (Navy Cross x 2), RADM.
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NEW LONDON, Connecticut, August 28, 1959 – Rear Admiral Willis A. Lent, U.S.N., retired, died tonight at the Station Hospital at the Naval Submarine Base here. His age was 55. He lived in Mystic.
Admiral Lent was commanding officer of the Triton, a submarine that made the first torpedo attack against the Japanese in World War II. His decorations included the Legion of Merit and two Navy Crosses.
He was graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1925 and was promoted to Rear Admiral upon his retirement in 1955. Since then he had been with the Electric Boar Division of the General Dynamics Corporation.
Surviving are his widow, Eleanor, and two sons, John G., and Lieutenant Willis A. Lent, Jr., U.S.N. A funeral will be held Tuesday morning at Arlington National Cemetery.
Other Comments:
(First Award) Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Willis A. Lent, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TRITON (SS-201), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 January 1942 to 17 March 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Lieutenant Commander Willis A. Lent took his ship on an aggressive patrol against the enemy in hazardous waters. Despite Japanese air search he sank thousands of tons of Japanese shipping, also returning to base without damage to his submarine or personnel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
(Second Award) Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Willis A. Lent, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GRENADIER (SS-210), on the SECOND and THIRD War Patrols of that submarine during the period 12 April 1942 to 10 June 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Lent brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
