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 New Haven, Conn
Last Address Died at New Haven, Conn Burial: U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery Annapolis, Anne Arundel Cty., MD
Date of Passing Jan 31, 1951
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
Frank Berrien graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1900. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
F. D. Berrien was the 13th head college football coach for the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen located in Annapolis, Maryland and he held that position for three seasons, from 1908 until 1910. His coaching record at United States Naval Academy was 21 wins, 5 losses, and 3 ties. As of the conclusion of the 2007 season, this ranks him tenth at United States Naval Academy in total wins and fifth at United States Naval Academy in winning percentage (.776).
As captain of the USS Nicholson he fought in the Action of 17 November 1917 and was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the highest U.S. Navy award. It out ranked the Navy Cross untill 1942.
The Action of 17 November 1917 was a naval battle of the First World War. The action was fought between a German U-boat and two United States Navy destroyers in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Other Comments:
Awards and Citations
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Awarded for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain (then Commander) Frank Dunn Berrien, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NICHOLSON, engaged in the important, exacting, and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested with enemy submarines and mines, in escorting and protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity; and especially for an engagement on 17 November 1917, in association with the U.S.S. Fanning, with the German Submarine U-58, as a result of which the submarine was forced to come to the surface and surrender.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Book of Distinguished Service Action Date: 17 November, 1917 Service: Navy Rank: actingCaptain, rank of Commander Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. Nicholson
