This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kent Weekly (SS/DSV) (DBF), EMCS
to remember
Beach, Edward Latimer, Jr., CAPT USN(Ret).
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 York
Last Address 1622 - 29th St. NW Washington DC 20007
Date of Passing Dec 01, 2002
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
Wall/Plot Coordinates Across the road from Beach Hall
The Navy Cross is presented to Edward Latimer Beach, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Executive Officer, Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. TIRANTE (SS-420) on the First War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 March 1945 to 25 April 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. Lieutenant Commander Beach rendered valiant service to his commanding officer in penetrating mined and shoal-obstructed shallow waters in defiance of hostile shore-based radar stations and aircraft. By his excellent judgment and keen understanding of attack problems, he aided immeasurably in sending torpedoes into targets with deadly accuracy and contributed to the sinking of three Japanese cargo ships, one large transport, a hostile tanker, three patrol frigates, and one lugger, totaling 28,000 tons of shipping vital to the enemy's ability to prosecute the war. Through his experience and sound judgment he assisted in bringing his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Other Comments:
He served as Presidential Aide to Dwight D Eisenhower.
Honors
Sword of the Class of 1897 - United States Naval Academy Giant of Adventure Award (1960) - Argosy Men's Magazine Honorary Doctor of Science (Sc.D) - American International College Magellanic Premium (1961) - American Philosophical Society Theodore and Frankilin D. Roosevelt Prize in Naval History (1987) - New York Council of the Navy League Alfred Thayer Mahan Award for Literary Achievement (1980; 2000) - The Navy League
Image
Navy Cross - 1945
Name of Award Navy Cross
Year Awarded 1945
Last Updated: Sep 16, 2022
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
Navy Cross AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II Service: Navy Division: U.S.S. Tirante (SS-420) GENERAL ORDERS: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 033268 (September 30, 1945)
CITATION: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (NSN: 0-82573), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Executive Officer, Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. TIRANTE (SS-420), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 March 1945 to 25 April 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. An expert seaman and daring navigator, Lieutenant Commander Beach rendered valiant service to his Commanding Officer in penetrating mined and shoal-obstructed waters in defiance of hostile shore-based radar stations and aircraft. By his excellent judgment and keen understanding of attack problems, he aided immeasurably in sending the TIRANTE's torpedoes into her targets with deadly accuracy and contributed to the sinking of three Japanese cargo ships, one large transport, a hostile tanker, three patrol frigates and one lugger, totaling 28,000 tons of shipping vital to the enemy's ability to prosecute the war. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty was a major factor in the illustrious combat record achieved by his ship and in her safe return to port in spite of severe enemy countermeasures. Lieutenant Commander Beach's cool initiative and gallant conduct throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.