Henry C. Bruton

Henry Chester Bruton (15 February 1905 - 15 August 1992^[1]) was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, becoming Director of Naval Communications in the 1950s. For actions during World War II he was awarded the Navy Cross three times and the Legion of Merit twice. He received the Legion of Merit twice more for contributions to the US Cold War effort in the 1950s, retiring in 1960.

Background and education

Bruton was born in Belleville, Arkansas in 1905.^[2] He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1926,^[3] and in the 1930s studied electrical engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School and the University of California, Berkeley, receiving a master's degree from the latter.^[2] He later also graduated in law from the George Washington University Law School, becoming a member of the Order of the Coif.^[2]

Career

Bruton's first assignments were aboard the USS California (BB-44) and USS Mississippi (BB-41).

During World War II, he first commanded the USS Greenling (SS-213). While in this command, Bruton was three times awarded the Navy Cross for his command of the Greenling in four wartime patrols, in which it sank 75,000 tons of shipping, including a destroyer attacking it.^[2] The Greenling was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, and Bruton was named a submarine division commander in 1943.^[2]

Later, Bruton was named Chief of Staff of the Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Director of the Legislative Division of the Judge Advocate General's Corps.

During the Korean War, Bruton held command of the USS Wisconsin (BB-64); in early 1952, the vessel carried out shore bombardments.^[2] After the Korean War he became Director of Naval Communications, and from 1958 until his retirement in 1960 he was communications-electronics director of the Joint Staff of the Commander-in-Chief of the European Command.^[2] After his retirement he worked for Collins Radio until 1964, before becoming secretary-treasurer of the Armed Forces Relief and Benefit Association, and from 1966 a consultant to the Military Benefit Association.^[2]

Other awards Bruton received include the Legion of Merit with award star. In addition, he was authorized to wear the Submarine Combat Patrol insignia.

Awards

• Navy Cross - awarded three times for actions during World War II^[1]
• Legion of Merit - awarded twice for actions during World War II^[1]
• Legion of Merit - awarded once for contribution to Operation Castle, and once "for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Communications-Electronics Division, Headquarters, United States European Command, from 30 June 1958 to 31 July 1960."^[1]

References