Oscar C. Badger II
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| Oscar Charles Badger II | |
|---|---|
| June 26, 1890 - November 30, 1958 | |
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| Place of birth | Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance | USN |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands | USS North Carolina Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet Service Squadrons, South Pacific Battleship Division 7 11th Naval District Eastern Sea Frontier Naval Forces Western Pacific |
| Battles/wars | Mexican campaign, Vera Cruz World War I World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Navy Cross |
Oscar Charles Badger II (26 June 1890 – 30 November 1958) was an admiral of the United States Navy who served in both World Wars, and, as a junior officer, was awarded the Medal of Honor.
The grandson of Commodore Oscar C. Badger (1823–1899) and son of Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger (1853–1932), Oscar Badger II was born 26 June 1890, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1911.
As an ensign in Utah (BB-31), in 1914 he participated in the U.S. occupation of Veracruz. Several thousand American troops landed, in an effort to force out General Victoriano Huerta, who had seized power in Mexico. Fifty-five men were awarded the Medal of Honor for this action, including seven leaders of the battleship's 'bluejacket battalion'. Badger was cited, "For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Ens. Badger was in both days' fighting at the head of his company, and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage."
Badger served with the destroyer force in European waters during World War I. Following the war, he served as gunnery officer on various ships and had duty with the Bureau of Ordnance. In 1941 he took command of North Carolina (BB-55) and in 1942, after promotion to Rear Admiral, was Commander Destroyers Atlantic Fleet and subsequently Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Logistics Plans. In February 1944 he became Commander Service Squadrons South Pacific and in October Commander Battleship Division 7. Badger was the first Navy officer to step ashore in Japan at the end of World War II.
Following World War II, he commanded the Eleventh Naval District and the Eastern Sea Frontier and was Commander Naval Forces Western Pacific.
Adm. Badger died on 30 November 1958 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Officially, USS Badger (FF-1071) was named in honor of all the members of the Badger family who served in the U.S. Navy, but when she was launched in 1968, her sponsor, Isabelle Austen Badger, Adm. Badger's widow, said "I christen thee Oscar Charles Badger II!"
