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Casualty Info
Home Town Annapolis, MD
Last Address Last Home address: 2811 Abermarle St. N.W Washington D.C.
USS Louisville in the Pacific.
Remembered at Arlington National Cemetery Virginia, & on the Tablets of the Missing in Manila.
Casualty Date Jan 07, 1945
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Burns
Location Pacific Ocean
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Buried at Sea, Pacific Ocean
Wall/Plot Coordinates Buried at Sea in the Pacific off the Philippines.
Military Service Number O - 9 050
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Late in the afternoon of January 5, 1945, a group of sixteen kamikazes swooped in on Cruiser Division 4, then about 100 miles (200 km) from Manila Bay. One of the four successful kamikazes crashed into Rear Admiral Chandler's flagship USS Louisville (CA-28), at her number No. 2 main battery 8-inch 55 caliber gun, knocking it completely out of commission, but continued her bombarding mission and downed several planes.
On January 6, 1945, the cruiser suffered more severely during a repeat performance. At 17:30, another kamikaze plunged into the cruiser's starboard side at the signal bridge where explosives wrought havoc. Rear Admiral Chandler jumped from the bridge to the signal bridge.
Although horribly burned by gasoline flames, Chandler helped deploy fire hoses alongside enlisted men to stop the flames and then waited his turn for first aid with those same ratings. The admiral, his lungs scorched very severely, was beyond help. He died the next day, January 7, 1945, in spite of the efforts of the medical department. He was buried at sea.
Comments/Citation:
Theodore Edson Chandler was the son of Lloyd Horwitz Chandler (1869 – 1947) and Agatha Buford Edson (Christy) Chandler (1870 – 1964). On both sides of his family there was a US Navy legacy. His father rose to the rank of admiral and his grandfather served in the 1880’s as secretary of the Navy. He had a brother who died in infancy (1901) and two sisters, Susan Buford Chandler (1905 – 1909) and Agatha Marshall Chandler Downing (1911 – 1991).
It would appear from a young age that Theodore was being groomed for a naval career. He attended Manlius School For Boys, a military prep school. He entered the United States Naval Academy in 1911, graduating as part of the class of 1915. He went by the nickname “Ted” and his entry in the “Lucky Bag” yearbook is below:
...
“TED spends most of his spare time either in athletic pursuits or sleeping. He has made good on most of the class teams, and has had the nerve to prefer a hotel bed to a day's liberty in sunny Italy.
...
He has never been a constant fusser, having been somewhat handicapped by those thrust upon him through Faith, Hope and Charity. Not that many a fair maiden hasn't admired his manly beauty, with those dark, curly locks and winning eyes.
...
What a shame that he has spent his Septembers in C—————, New Hampshire, where the lure of the cow-bells has well fortified him against the charms of the society belles. Or is it that a fair damsel in C————— has been claiming our Ted's attention?
...
Ted had roomed with Spig Field throughout the course, except for those months when Spig was piling up a little sea-duty to help him on his way towards winning that 184-to-5 shot of being an admiral. Although they don't seem to resemble each other in tastes, they have gotten along together famously, and Ted believes nearly everything that Spig says, which is a powerful test of trusting confidence.
...
Ted has been growing remarkably fast since he entered here in his childhood days, and if he had another year to go, he would probably be playing football on the 'Varsity. As it is, his work on the First Class team this year was just about the best that inter-class athletics has ever shown.
...
Ted is a Navy Junior, but he is a rare form of the species, being quite unmindful of the fact. The very best luck that we can wish him is that he may follow in the footsteps of the "old man," though, we might hope, with a slightly smaller coefficient of form. Baseball Numerals; Basketball N (1); Basketball Numerals; Football Numerals; Farewell Ball Committee.”
Graduating on June 5, 1915, Ensign Chandler entered the service. His variety of postings and successful progression to the rank of rear admiral reflect a formidable 30-year career of quality service and leadership.
As the long listing below demonstrates, he had a particular role to play in the fields of gunnery and ordnance, primarily on cruisers, destroyers and battleships. He received additional post-graduate training as an engineer at both the USNA and the University of Michigan, earning a Master's in Chemical Engineering in 1922.
He spent most of his career aboard ship, but also had stints in the Office of Chief of Naval Operations and was Asst. Naval Attache attached to the U.S. legations in Paris, Madrid and Lisbon.
Assignments:
1915 – 1916 Ensign; USS Florida (Battleship)
1916 – 1917 Ensign; USS New Hampshire (Battleship); Commanded by his father, Lloyd Chandler
1917 – 1917 Ensign; USS Montana (Armored Cruiser); torpedo instruction
1917 – 1919 Lt.; USS Connor (Destroyer); preconditioning, in France during WW I and temporary commander in 1919
1919 – 1920 Lt.; USS Chandler (Destroyer); preconditioning; ship was named for his grandfather, William Eaton Chandler
1921 – 1923 Lt.; Completed naval post-graduate work at USNA (ordnance studies) and University of
Michigan (Master of Science in Chemical Engineering 6/22)
1923 – 1925 Lt.; USS West Virginia (Battleship); preconditioning
1925 – 1926 Lt.; USS Colorado (Battleship)
1926 – 1928 Lt. Cmdr.; Naval Mine Depot
1928 – 1929 Lt. Cmdr.; USS Trenton (Light Cruiser); Gunnery officer
1929 – 1929 Lt. Cmdr.; USS General Alava (auxiliary vessel)
1929 – 1930 Lt. Cmdr.; USS Pope (Destroyer); commanding, performed Yangtze River patrol in China
1930 – 1932 Lt. Cmdr.; Board of Ordnance, Army Industrial College (1931); Office of Chief of Naval Operations
1932 – 1934 Lt. Cmdr.; Destroyer Battle Force (USS Detroit), served as gunnery officer
1934 – 1935 Lt. Cmdr.; USS Buchanan (Destroyer); Commanding
1935 – 1938 Lt. Cmdr.; Served as Asst. Naval Attache attached to the legations in Paris, Madrid and Lisbon
1938 – 1940 Lt. Cmdr.; USS Nashville (Light Cruiser); fitting out, Executive Officer
1940 – 1941 Captain; Office of Chief of Naval Operations; named a Captain on July 1, 1941
1941 – 1943 Captain, USS Omaha (Light Cruiser); commanded the force that captured the German blockade Runner Odenwald. The ship was salvaged and prizes awarded to the crew in 1947, the last time in US history
1943 – 1944 Rear Admiral; Commander of forces Aruba-Curacao area; named Rear Admiral on 4/26/1943
1944 – 1944 Rear Admiral; Cruiser Div. 2 – Atlantic Fleet, commanding officer of Cruiser Division 2 which participated in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France
1944 – 1944 Rear Admiral; Battleship Div. 2 – Pacific Fleet; commanding officer of Battleship Division 2, which participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Surigao Strait – first time US forces faced Kamikaze attacks
1944 – January 7, 1945 Rear Admiral; Cruiser Div. 4 – Pacific Fleet; commanding officer of Cruiser Div. 4 participated in the invasion of the Luzon, Philippines from his flagship USS Louisville (Heavy
Cruiser)
In 1916, as an ensign, Chandler served under his father, Admiral Lloyd Chandler, on the battleship USS New Hampshire. In 1917, now a lieutenant, he served aboard the destroyer USS Connor, which was later stationed in France during WW I. For a short time in 1919, he commanded the Connor.
On April 28, 1919 he married Beatrice Bowen (Fairfax) (1900 – 1972). Together they had a daughter, Theodora Edson Chandler (Hoskinson) (1922 – 2013.) His next posting included the fitting out and service on the USS Chandler, named for his grandfather, William Eaton Chandler, who had been the Secretary of the Navy.
A string of assignments led to his promotion to Lt. Commander. One assignment in 1929 – 1930 was as commander of the destroyer USS Pope, which did duty on the Yangtze River Patrol in China. He received his promotion to captain in 1941 while serving in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. This led to his command of the light cruiser USS Omaha.
During this assignment, shortly before US entry into WW II, his actions led to the capture of a German blockade runner called the Odenwald. This event has been studied at length as it was the last time a US Navy crew was awarded prize money for the capture of an enemy vessel.
He received promotion to Rear Admiral in April 1943, and was moved to service as commander of the forces in the Aruba-Curacao area, for which he received favorable recognition. With the war now in full swing, he was given command of Cruiser Division 2 – Atlantic Fleet, which saw action in support of Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France in August 1944. For his conduct in the operation, he received the Gold Star.
Rear Admiral Chandler was transferred to the Pacific Theater, first as commander of Battleship Division 2 – Pacific Fleet, and then as commander of Cruiser Division 4 – Pacific Fleet. In the former role, he participated in the actions in the Surigao Strait as part of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He received the Silver Star for his leadership in leading the destruction of several Japanese ships while receiving little damage to the US fleet.
His final acts would be as commander of Cruiser Division 4 – Pacific Fleet as it participated in the invasion of the Luzon, Philippines. His forces were to support the landings at Lingayen Gulf. Serving as overall commander with the heavy cruiser USS Louisville as his flagship, the force arrived off the Philippines.
On January 5, 1945, about 100 miles from Manila Bay, the Louisville faced kamikaze attacks, one reaching the Louisville, killing its captain, and wounding over 50 other men. The ship, though damaged, stayed in the fight to support the planned invasion of Luzon (Lingayen Gulf) on January 9th.
On January 6th the Japanese renewed their attacks, including continuous kamikaze attacks. At about 5:30 pm, a kamikaze struck the signal bridge on the starboard side of the Louisville, doing considerable damage and igniting gasoline fires. Admiral Chandler jumped from the main bridge to the signal bridge.
Despite suffering burn damage from the gasoline fires, which severely scorched his lungs, Admiral Chandler joined the efforts of the enlisted men to try to extinguish the flames. He stayed on until persuaded to go to the aid station to receive medical treatment. There he waited his turn for assistance. There was too much damage and efforts to treat him were unsuccessful.
Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler succumbed to his injuries the next day, January 7, 1945. He was one of over 30 men killed and 50 injured in this second attack. He was buried at sea. At the time of his death, he was the 11th naval flag officer to die in WW II. He was posthumously awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal by General MacArthur and the Navy Cross by President Roosevelt. (See below for the citations related to his various awards for service and bravery.)
Rear Admiral Chandler served his country during both World Wars. His outstanding service is reflected in the significant honors he received for his leadership and courage. In addition, there have been two ships named in honor of Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler; in 1945 a destroyer (DD-717) and in 1983 a Kidd-class guided missile destroyer (DDG-996). All of this recognition is well-deserved but does not replace the tremendous sacrifice given in service to the nation.
Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler is memorialized at Arlington National Cemetery (Section: ME: Grave 201). He is also listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. He served his country courageously during times of desperate need and he deserves our lasting thanks and gratitude. Let us not forget his service with such outstanding distinction to the nation. He will not be forgotten.
Citations for Awards received by Rear Admiral Chandler:
Letter of Commendation with Ribbon from Sec. of the Navy for seizure of German ship Odenwald: "Your operations on the occasion of the seizure of the German Motor Ship ODENWALD on November 6, 1941, are noted with great interest. The identification of the ODENWALD by you as a hostile ship, even though disguised as to nationality by the flying of and otherwise subversive use of the United States flag, the subsequent salvage of and the taking into port of the Odenwald under her own power by the salvage and boarding parties sent by your direction from the Task Group under your command bespeaks of the efficient plans made for such an emergency, and made possible the saving of this ship under the attendant hazardous conditions. You are hereby commended for your initiative and sound judgment on this occasion."
Legion of Merit for leadership of forces in the Aruba-Curacao forces: "Exercising sound judgment and splendid initiative in carrying out his many and varied tasks, Rear Admiral Chandler was largely responsible for the successful cooperative employment of the combined United States and Netherlands Naval Surface Forces and of the United States Naval and Army Air Forces in waging vigorous and effective warfare on enemy submarines and, by carefully planned security measures and the skillful disposition of his units, provided expert protection for the vital oil industry in this strategic area. In his contacts with Netherlands and Venezuelan civil and military officials, Rear Admiral Chandler displayed marked diplomatic ability, and his resultant productive relationships with their respective governments proved of great value in the efficient execution of his highly important duties."
Gold Star in Lieu of a Second Legion of Merit for leadership related to Operation Dragoon: "For exceptionally meritorious conduct...as Commander of an Assault Group of the Western Naval Task Force (under command of Rear Admiral J. M. Mansfield of the Royal Navy) prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Rear Admiral Chandler expertly planned and successfully carried out operations involving the pro-assault landing of special service troops on the strategic Islands of Levant and Port Gros and of a French Commando Group in the vicinity of Cape Negros on the Southern Coast of France to eliminate the enemy threat against Allied assault shipping and to secure the left flank of the main assault areas against infiltration from the west. The assault group, under his skillful and determined leadership, executed the landings during darkness, with complete tactical surprise and with minimum losses to the participating forces and quickly overcame enemy resistance resulting in the early occupation of this important ground. His conduct of those surprise landings thereby materially assisted in the expeditions and effective launching of the initial assault and its rapid follow-up..."
Silver Star for actions in the Surigao Strait related to the Battle of Leyte Gulf and invasion of Leyte: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of a Battleship Division in action against major units of the enemy Japanese fleet during the Battle of Surigao Strait in the early hours of October 25, 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese warships entered the narrow confines of the Strait and advanced under cover of darkness toward our waiting forces, Rear Admiral Chandler, with his division placed among other battleships in the strategic T-formation across the northern end of Surigao, hurled the full power of his heavy guns at the confused enemy force. Directing the shattering broadsides of his mighty vessels with unrelenting fury, he waged fierce battle against the enemy in a prolonged engagement which resulted in the destruction of two Japanese battleships and three destroyers before effective return fire could be brought to bear on our ships. Subsequently retiring his division unscathed from the action, Rear Admiral Chandler, by his brilliant leadership, outstanding professional skill and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds, contributed materially to the defeat of the enemy in this decisive action..."
Army Distinguished Service Cross Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, for conspicuous service to the Army of the United States in the action supporting the return of United States Forces to the Island of Luzon. Through his outstanding gallantry and exceptional skill while in command of battleship division in support of landing operations during the Battle of Leyte Gulf and while later commanding a cruiser squadron in the battle of Lingayen Gulf, Admiral Chandler was an inspiration and example to the forces of both the Army and the Navy. By his effective cooperation he assisted materially in the solution of complex problems of joint operations and his death on 7 January 1945 from wounds received while leading his command in action constituted a severe loss. The services performed by Admiral Chandler represent a very material contribution to the fulfillment of the Philippine Campaign.
Navy Cross Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Rear Admiral Theodore Edson Chandler (NSN: 0-9050), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Cruiser Division FOUR, aboard the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. LOUISVILLE (CA-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands, on 6 January 1945. Skillfully coordinating the fire of his division with that of other heavy naval units during the initial bombardment of Luzon prior to scheduled landing operations at Lingayen, Rear Admiral Chandler ordered the smashing broadsides of his powerful guns with unrelenting aggressiveness despite a heavy overcast which reduced visibility and while under persistent attack by enemy aircraft. Observing the progress of operations from an exposed position on the flag bridge when a Japanese suicide bomber attacked and hit his cruiser, setting the flag bridge afire, he emerged from the raging inferno with his clothing ablaze. Determined to remain in action, he steadfastly continued to direct his units until compelled by his Chief of Staff to proceed to the dressing station for treatment of severe burns. Stout-hearted and indomitable in the face of almost certain death, Rear Admiral Chandler succumbed to his injuries the following day. By his inspiring devotion to duty and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout, he enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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