Frank Friday Fletcher

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Frank Friday Fletcher
November 23, 1855(1855-11-23) – November 28, 1928 (aged 73)
Admiral Frank F. Fletcher
Admiral Frank F. Fletcher wearing his Medal of Honor, circa 1919
Place of birth Oskaloosa, Iowa
Place of death New York City, New York
Allegiance Flag of the United States United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1875–1919
Rank Admiral
Commands held Atlantic Fleet
Battles/wars U.S. occupation of Veracruz, 1914
Awards Medal of Honor

Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher (November 23, 1855–November 28, 1928) was an American naval officer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the uncle of World War II Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Fletcher, born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1875. As Commander of the 1st Division, Atlantic Fleet, he directed the landing at Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico, 21 and 22 April 1914, with distinction for which he received the Medal of Honor.

He was named Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet later that year, ranking as Admiral from 10 March 1915 until completing his assignment in 1916. He served on the General Board until retiring on November 23, 1919, earning the Distinguished Service Medal for his meritorious service during World War I. Twice recalled for temporary active duty, he served in 1925 on a board studying the most effective use of aircraft in national defense. Admiral Fletcher died in New York City on November 28, 1928.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Born: 23 November 1855, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Accredited to: Iowa. G.O. No.: 177, 4 December 1915.

Citation:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Under fire, Rear Adm. Fletcher was eminent and conspicuous in the performance of his duties; was senior officer present at Vera Cruz, and the landing and the operations of the landing force were carried out under his orders and directions. In connection with these operations, he was at times on shore and under fire.

[edit] Namesake

The USS Fletcher (DD-445) was named for Admiral Frank F. Fletcher.

[edit] Dates of rank

Ensign Lieutenant Junior Grade Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander Commander Captain
O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6
July 1876 March 3, 1883 February 18, 1889 Unknown Unknown Unknown
Commodore Rear Admiral Vice Admiral Admiral
O-7 O-8 O-9 O-10
Unknown October 1911 Unknown March 10, 1915

[edit] See also

United States Navy Portal

[edit] References

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.