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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) - 1960
Name of Award Legion of Merit (1939-2016)
Devices
none
Year Awarded 1960
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 takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in addition to a previously awarded Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Henry Chester Bruton (NSN: 0-60171), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Communications-Electronics Division, Headquarters, United States European Command, from 30 June 1958 to 31 July 1960. Rear Admiral Bruton had made a significant contribution to the successful accomplishment of the many joint communications-electronics tasks in the European Command area of responsibility. Under his direction, great progress has been made in the fields of electronic warfare, air-navigation aids, and emergency communications. He provided invaluable support to the efforts of the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, to bring about integrated air defense of NATO Europe and other NATO communications-electronics projects. General Orders: All Hands (December 1960) Action Date: June 30, 1958 - July 31, 1960 Service: Navy Rank: Rear Admiral
NAVY CROSS