Bruton, Henry Chester, RADM

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.

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)