Frank Friday Fletcher

Infobox Military Person
name= Frank Friday Fletcher
born= birth date|1855|11|23
died= death date and age|1928|11|28|1855|11|23
placeofbirth= Oskaloosa, Iowa
placeofdeath= New York City, New York
placeofburial= Arlington National Cemetery


caption=Admiral Frank F. Fletcher wearing his Medal of Honor, circa 1919
nickname=
allegiance=flag|United States of America
branch=
serviceyears= 1875–1919
rank= Admiral
commands= Atlantic Fleet
unit=
battles= U.S. occupation of Veracruz, 1914
awards= Medal of Honor
laterwork=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.

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 April 22, 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 March 10, 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.

Medal of Honor citation

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

Namesake

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

Dates of rank

*Midshipman: June 18, 1870
*Passed Midshipman: June 21, 1875
*Master: April 8, 1882{|border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="center" width="100%"
-!Commodore!Rear Admiral!Vice Admiral!Admiral
-!O-7!O-8!O-9!O-10
-
align="center" width="20%"
align="center" width="20%"
align="center" width="20%"
align="center" width="20%"
-!"Unknown"!October 1911!"Unknown"!March 10, 1915

ee also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients

References

:DANFS
*Dates of promotion from "The Records of Living Officers of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps", Sixth Edition, 1889, by Lewis Randolph Hamersly. [http://books.google.com/books?vid=0waiEcVzn9_RgiLXel&id=REQUIE_aDoIC&printsec=titlepage#PRA7-PA185,M1]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f3/fletcher.htm|Navy History website]
* [http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/ff-fletc.htm|Arlington Cemetery Website]
*findagrave|6215393 Retrieved on 2007-10-23