Elliott Buckmaster

Vice Admiral Elliott Buckmaster (October 19 1889 - October 10 1976) was a United States Navy officer and naval aviator during World War I and World War II.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Buckmaster was raised in Charlottesville, Virginia from the age of twelve. Appointed from Virginia to the United States Naval Academy in 1908, Buckmaster graduated with the Class of 1912. Assigned to the USS "New Jersey" at the occupation of Vera Cruz in 1914, Buckmaster was credited with rescuing a wounded sailor and bringing him to safety. Buckmaster was promoted through the ranks until 1934 when, with the rank of Commander, he would commission USS "Farragut" as her first Commanding Officer. Following command of "Farragut", Commander Buckmaster applied for flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Upon graduation in 1936 at age 47, Buckmaster performed duties in aviation until ordered in 1938 to USS "Lexington" as her Executive Officer. Serving in this capacity until 1939, he was then promoted to Captain and ordered to Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor as Commanding Officer, serving in this capacity until January 1941.

On February 5 1941 Captain Buckmaster assumed command of USS "Yorktown" at Naval Air Station Ford Island. He was Commanding Officer of "Yorktown" at the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway. Later he served as Commander, Western Carolines Operating Area, where he spearheaded shore based operations in the rescue of 317 survivors of USS "Indianapolis" after her loss to enemy action.

Vice Admiral Buckmaster died in Coronado, California on October 10 1976.