Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Oliver
Walton
Bagby
1916-12-26

–

2006-01-15

Home:

New Haven

, 

Missouri

Oliver Bagby graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1938. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bang (SS-385)

    Action Date:

    March 29 – May 14, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 75 (September 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Oliver Walton Bagby (NSN: 0-81054), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy infested Pacific waters, from 29 March to 14 May 1944. Performing his duties with marked professional skill throughout this critical period, Commander Bagby rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys and, despite severe hostile countermeasures, contributed materially to his ship’s success in sinking three Japanese vessels totaling over 20,000 tons and in damaging two more. Commander Bagby’s courage and persevering efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bang (SS-385)
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0442 (January 16, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Oliver Walton Bagby (NSN: 0-81054), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), during a War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Commander Bagby rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting successful actions against enemy shipping by his expert coordination of attack data. On one occasion, his watchful tracking of enemy escorts enabled his Commanding Officer to press home an attack which resulted in the sinking of 24,000 tons of enemy shipping. By his outstanding ability, courageous leadership and unwavering devotion to duty throughout the patrol and especially in the face of severe enemy countermeasures, he contributed to the success of his ship in conducting effective evasive tactics and offensive moves against the Japanese which reflect the highest credit upon Commander Bagby and the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bang (SS-385)

    Action Date:

    August 27 – September 29, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0575 (October 4, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Oliver Walton Bagby (NSN: 0-81054), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385) during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area, from 27 August to 29 September 1944. Keenly analyzing attack problems and proficient in the performance of his assigned tasks, Commander Bagby contributed immeasurably to the success of the BANG in sinking and damaging over 39,000 tons of hostile shipping and in evading severe enemy countermeasures. His professional skill, resourcefulness and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Commander Bagby and the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bagby is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Herring (SS-233)

    Action Date:

    March 6 – April 12, 1943
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 15317

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant] Oliver Walton Bagby (NSN: 0-81054), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. HERRING (SS-233), during that Submarine’s THIRD War Patrol against enemy forces in the vicinity of Europe, from 6 March to 12 April 1943. Efficiently supervising the torpedo personnel and their maintenance of torpedo equipment, Commander Bagby contributed materially to the success of his vessel in the sinking of a German submarine with two torpedo hits during a surprise night surface encounter. His professional ability, leadership and courageous devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Bagby is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)