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Contact Info
Home Town South Woodstock, CT
Last Address He lived in Georgia until his death in 1979.
Date of Passing Jan 02, 1979
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Francis Warren Rockwell (July 2, 1886 – January 2, 1979) was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy who served from 1908 to 1948.
Early life and career
Rockwell was born in South Woodstock, Connecticut. He graduated the Naval Academy in 1908. After various assignments, he directed the fitting out of USS Jarvis (DD-38) in 1912-1914. In 1914 he joined the faculty of the Naval Academy as an instructor in electrical engineering and physics, serving there until 1917 when war broke out.
World War I and interwar years
Rockwell served aboard USS New Jersey (BB-16) and aboard various destroyers in Queenstown, Ireland during the war. He commanded USS Winslow (DD-53) in 1918 and then the new destroyer USS Thatcher (DD-162) in 1919. In 1920 he returned as an instructor at the Naval Academy, serving there until 1923. He was Gunnery Officer on USS Tennessee (BB-43) from 1923-1926. He returned as an instructor at the Naval Academy from 1926-1929 before commanding USS Robert Smith (DD-324), USS Dorsey (DD-117) and USS Medina before becoming Executive Officer on USS Mississippi (BB-41). After a stint in the United States Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C., he commanded USS Nevada (BB-36) from 1939 to 1941.
World War II
On November 5, 1941, Rockwell assumed command of the 16th Naval District, consisting of the Philippine Islands. He was present in Cavite Navy Yard was it was bombed on December 10, 1941. Most of Cavite's facilities were destroyed and USS Sealion (SS-195) was sunk. Rockwell estimated 500 men were killed. The next day, with fires still burning, he recommended Cavite be stripped of usable fuel and equipment and abandoned.[4] He organized the withdrawal of remaining Allied naval forces and civilian ships from the Philippines and left in March 1942. Then, he planned the naval transport of the invasion force for the Battle of Attu. He returned to the Navy Department in 1943 and commanded the Atlantic Fleet's Amphibious Training Command through the end of the war.
Retirement
Rockwell retired as Vice Admiral in 1948. He lived in Georgia until his death in 1979.
Other Comments:
Awards and merits
Silver Star, Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Rear Admiral Francis Warren Rockwell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commandant, SIXTEENTH Naval District, during the period 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. Admiral Rockwell made detailed plans involving exacting preparations for a movement of major strategic importance and of the most hazardous nature, then executed the mission with marked skill and coolness in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. The conduct of Admiral Rockwell throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Order No. 43 (March 15, 1942) - Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942).
Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Francis Warren Rockwell, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. As Commandant of the SIXTEENTH Naval District Rear Admiral Rockwell displayed outstanding qualities of efficiency, leadership and judgment under difficult, arduous and hazardous circumstances during the Japanese assaults on Cavite, Philippine Islands, in December 1941, and the subsequent defense of Bataan Peninsula and the fortified islands at the entrance of Manila Bay both by United States Military and Naval Forces. General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 304 (July 1942).
Navy Cross, Awarded for actions during World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Francis Warren Rockwell, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WINSLOW, 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 during World War I.
Philippine Islands Campaign (1941-42)/Japanese air attacks on US vessels in Cavite
From Month/Year
December / 1941
To Month/Year
December / 1941
Description Japanese air attack on USS PEARY (DD-226), USS SEADRAGON (SS-194),USS SEALION (SS-195),USS BITTERN (AM-36)in Cavite, Philippines
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
December / 1941
To Month/Year
December / 1941
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories On November 5, 1941, Rockwell assumed command of the 16th Naval District, consisting of the Philippine Islands. He was present in Cavite Navy Yard was it was bombed on December 10, 1941. Most of Cavite's facilities were destroyed and USS Sealion (SS-195) was sunk. Rockwell estimated 500 men were killed. The next day, with fires still burning, he recommended Cavite be stripped of usable fuel and equipment and abandoned. He organized the withdrawal of remaining Allied naval forces and civilian ships from the Philippines and left in March 1942. Then, he planned the naval transport of the invasion force for the Battle of Attu. He returned to the Navy Department in 1943 and commanded the Atlantic Fleet's Amphibious Training Command through the end of the war.
