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Contact Info
Home Town Bellville, AR
Last Address Chevy Chase, Maryland
Date of Passing Aug 15, 1992
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Wall/Plot Coordinates 60 1937
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
After retiring from active duty, Henry Bruton worked for Collins Radio Co. here, then served from 1964 to 1966 as secretary-treasurer of the Armed Forces Relief and Benefit Association. Since 1966, he had been a consultant to the Military Benefit Association.
He was a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Veteran Wireless Operators Association, the Submarine Veterans of World War II and the U.S. Naval Institute.
Survivors include his wife, the former Lucy Frances Osborne, who moved from Alexandria to Silver Spring several days ago; a son, Robert H., of Washington; a daughter, Sally Harris of Silver Spring; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Other Comments:
NAVY CROSS
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Henry Chester Bruton (NSN: 0-60171), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS-213), in the successful conduct of an offensive war patrol during the SECOND War Patrol of that vessel from 10 July 1942 until 1 September 1942. In spite of strong enemy counter measures, he coolly and courageously pressed home every favorable attack opportunity and succeeded in sinking a total of 23,950 tons of enemy merchant shipping. During one depth charge attack, depth charges were dropping sufficiently close to jar personnel from their feet and to cause minor damage throughout the ship, but he brought his ship through and his crew home without loss and in splendid offensive spirits. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 24
Action Date: July 10 - September 1, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Greenling (SS-213)
NAVY CROSS
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Henry Chester Bruton (NSN: 0-60171), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GREENLING (SS-213). Lieutenant Commander Bruton conducted an aggressive and successful war patrol in enemy controlled waters, during the THIRD War Patrol of that vessel, from 23 September 1942 to 1 November 1942. Undeterred by numerous anti-submarine patrol craft and the severe enemy counter-offensive, Commander Bruton conducted a consistently successful and aggressive War Patrol against a determined and relentless foe. His superb seamanship, skill and inspiring leadership enabled the GREENLING to sink a total of 32,050 tons of enemy shipping and to damage severely one converted aircraft carrier of 22,000 tons. Commander Bruton brought his ship through unscathed and his crew home without loss or injury and with fighting spirit undiminished. His courage and skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 03549 (December 10, 1942)
Action Date: September 23 - November 1, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Greenling (SS-213)
Image
Legion of Merit (1939-2016) - 1954
Name of Award Legion of Merit (1939-2016)
Devices
none
Year Awarded 1954
Last Updated: Dec 1, 2013
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
LEGION OF MERIT Awarded for actions during the Cold War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to two previously awarded Gold Stars in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Rear Admiral Henry Chester Bruton (NSN: 0-60171), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Task Group 7.3, Joint Task Force 7, at Washington, D.C. and Eniwetok-Bikini Atolls, Marshall Islands, from 1 June 1953 to 15 May 1954. Joint Task Force SEVEN, composed of Army, Navy and Air Force elements and a scientific Task Group, in cooperation with the Atomic Energy Commission, conducted at the Pacific Proving Grounds nuclear and thermonuclear tests, Operation CASTLE, which were of nation importance and international significance. The success of the operation was dependent to a great degree upon naval support, and direct responsibility for overall development and fulfillment of the mission assigned the navy Task Group devolved from Admiral Bruton as its Commander. This mission included, but was not limited to, maintaining air and surface security for the Marshall Islands area, providing intra-atoll surface transportation, supplying the facilities of the afloat phases of the scientific program, and undertaking, and actually participating in a number of the scheduled tests. During the course of operations, certain scientific developments occurred which exacted considerable, unforeseen requirements of the Navy Task Group. Through his effective planning and forceful, competent direction, resulting in the most judicious utilization of the forces available to him, he was able to accomplish with marked success these additional unanticipated tasks. Rear Admiral Bruton's outstanding precision and efficiency in the conduct of naval operations contributed immeasurably to the success of Operation CASTLE, reflecting great credit upon himself and the military service. Action Date: June 1, 1953 - May 15, 1954 Service: Navy Rank: Rear Admiral
NAVY CROSS