Rodger W. Simpson

Infobox Military Person
name= Roger Whitton Simpson
born= 1898
died= death year and age|1964|1898
placeofbirth=
placeofdeath=
nickname=
allegiance= flag|United States of America
branch=
serviceyears=
rank= 2 Star Rear Admiral
commands=|commands= 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)
unit=
battles= World War I World War II
awards= Navy Cross (2) Atlantic Fleet Clasp
American Defense Service Medal Fleet Clasp Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Silver Stars (ten engagements) Philippine Liberation Ribbon World War II Victory Medal.
laterwork=

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 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.

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..."

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)

Retirement

He retired in 1951.

Awards and decorations

Among Rear Admiral Simpson decorations and medals were the following:

Philippine Liberation Medal

Photographs

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g490000/g497991.jpgRodger W. Simpson, Change of Command 1948 USS Atlanta]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g470000/g473723c.htm Rear Admiral Simpson Questioning Japanese Prisoners]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/g700000/g700864c.htm Simpson And Cmdr Harold Stassen]

ee also