Rodger W. Simpson
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| Roger Whitton Simpson | |
|---|---|
| Birth 1898 – Death 1964 (Aged 66) | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Navy |
| Rank | 2 Star Rear Admiral |
| Commands held | USS Ohio (BB-12) USS Brooklyn (CL-40) USS Farquhar (DE-139) USS Twiggs (DD-591) USS Sloat (DE-245) USS William Jones (DD-308)
|
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross (2) Silver StarLegion of Merit World War I Victory Medal Atlantic Fleet Clasp American Defense Service Medal Fleet Clasp |
Roger Whitton Simpson (1898–1964) was a rear admiral of the United States Navy, who distinguished himself during World War II. The USS Simpson (FFG-56) was named in his honor.
Roger W. Simpson attended one year at the University of Oregon. Following, he entered the United States Naval Academy in June 1917. Midshipman Simpson served on Ohio (BB-12) which was based on the Atlantic Ocean and part of Atlantic Fleet during World War I. Simpson was commissioned an Ensign during June of 1920, graduating in the class of 1921.
He commanded the Mahan (DD-364) as an LCDR during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942. Promoted to CDR and commanded DesDiv 15, made up of the USS Sterett (DD-407), USS Stack (DD-406), and USS Lang (DD-399), which along with 3 ships of DesDiv12 under Commander Frederick Moosbrugger, sank 3 Japanese destroyers and damaged 1 in the Battle of Vella Gulf, 6-7 August, 1943.
Simpson also served tours as Commander, Training Command, Marianas; Commander Fleet Training Group, Western Pacific; Commander, Underway Training Unit, Guam; Commanding Officer, USS Atlanta; and Commanding Officer, Naval Station Treasure Islands.
On April 6, 1944, Commodore Simpson commanded Task Flotilla 6. He orchestrated and planned the rescue of over 7,500 Allied prisoners of war and civilians interned in Japanese concentration camps.
1945 - The USN's Task Group 30.6 commanded by Commodore Rodger W. Simpson arrives in Tokyo Bay to undertake emergency evacuation of Allied POWs in waterfront areas. Accompanying Commodore Simpson was Commander Harold E. Stassen, USNR, Flag Secretary to Commander, Third Fleet, and Admiral William F. Halsey.
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[edit] Legion of Merit Citation
Rodger Whitton Simpson
Rear Admiral
United States Navy
For this rescue, he was honored with the Legion of Merit. The citation in part follows: "...by freeing the prisoners before the actual signing of the surrender, he saved the lives of hundreds of sick and starving U.S. service people..."
[edit] Duty stations
- USS Ohio (BB-12)
- USS Brooklyn (CL-40)
- USS Farquhar (DE-139)
- USS Twiggs (DD-591)
- USS Sloat (DE-245)
- USS William Jones (DD-308)
- USS Ludlow (DD-438)
- USS Whippoorwill (AMS-207)
[edit] Retirement
He retired in 1951.
[edit] Awards and decorations
Among Rear Admiral Simpson decorations and medals were the following:
Navy Cross
Navy Cross with a Gold star (2 Awards) Legion of Merit (1) World War I Victory Medal Atlantic Fleet Clasp USS Ohio (BB-12) American Defense Service Medal Fleet Clasp American Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal National Defense Service Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Silver Stars (ten engagements) Silver Star
[edit] Photographs
- Rodger W. Simpson, Change of Command 1948 USS Atlanta
- Rear Admiral Simpson Questioning Japanese Prisoners
- Simpson And Cmdr Harold Stassen
[edit] See Also
[edit] External Links
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This article includes information collected from the Naval Historical Center, which, as a U.S. government publication, is in the public domain.
