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Contact Info
Home Town Waltham Massachusetts
Last Address Brooklyn, New York
Date of Passing Dec 27, 1944
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
From 1940-1942, he headed the Ordnance and Gunnery Department at the Naval Academy. On 10 April 1942, he assumed command of the heavy cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the cruiser against Japanese surface vessels off Savo Island near Guadalcanal, 11-12 October 1942.
From January to August 1943, he served eminently as war plans officer on the staff of Commander Cruiser Division Five. Rear Admiral Small died in Brooklyn, New York on 27 December 1944.
Other Comments:
Ernest Gregor Small was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on 5 November 1888. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign on 7 June 1912.
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (1919-2016) - 1944
Name of Award Navy Distinguished Service Medal (1919-2016)
Year Awarded 1944
Last Updated: Aug 12, 2015
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Ernest Gregor Small, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States Commanding the cruisers of a fast carrier task group during operations against the Gilbert Islands in World War II. Admiral Small provided decisive support for our amphibious landings at Tarawa and Abemama. Handicapped by limited forces and with but little air support in our assault on the Marshall Islands, he succeeded in neutralizing important Japanese bases at Wotje and Maleolap. He worked tirelessly during the powerful carrier strike against Palau, Yap and Woleai on 29 - 30 March 1944 and 1 April 1944.
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945) Action Date: 1944 Service: Navy Rank: Rear Admiral
