Neal Anderson Scott

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Neal Anderson Scott, born 21 May 1919 at Montgomery, Alabama, was appointed Assistant Paymaster with the rank of Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve, 8 April 1942.

1 Navy career
2 Awarded the Navy Cross
3 Namesake
4 References

[edit] Navy career

After instruction at the Navy Supply Corps School, Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, Boston, Massachusetts, he was ordered to the 12th Naval District for further assignment. On 10 October 1942, Ensign Scott reported for duty in USS Smith (DD-378), then operating in the Solomons.

On the 26th, as the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands raged, Smith, assigned to screen USS Enterprise (CV-6), was crashed by a torpedo plane causing the entire forward topside to erupt in flames. Ensign Scott, mortally wounded, “... exhorted the gun crews to sustain heavy and accurate fire against the enemy ...” in defense of Enterprise. Although he died of his wounds before the day was over, “... his gallant fighting spirit and remarkable courage served as an inspiration to the crew of the ship in helping to render ineffective the enemy attacks...”

[edit] Awarded the Navy Cross

In recognition of his contribution, Ensign Scott was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

[edit] Namesake

USS Neal A. Scott (DE-769) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down 1 June 1943 by the Tampa Shipbuilding Company, Tampa, Florida; launched 4 June 1944; co-sponsored by Mrs. Leigh Scott and Miss Margaret Scott, mother and sister, respectively, of Ens. Scott; and commissioned 31 July 1944 with Lt. P. D. Holden in command.