Navy Federal Credit Union

Harry Abbett graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1907. He retired as a Captain in the U.S. Navy.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Whipple

    Action Date:

    April 17, 1918

    Authority: Navy Book of Distinguished Service (Stringer)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant Commander Harry Jefferson Abbett, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WHIPPLE, engaged in the important, exacting, and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested with enemy submarines and mines, in escorting and protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity; and especially for his prompt, daring, and resolute conduct upon the occasion of the burning of the steamship S.S. FLORENCE “H” in Quiberon Bay on the night of 17 April 1918. The FLORENCE “H” was loaded with explosives, and within a few moments after the outbreak of the fire the ship was completely enveloped in flames and the water in the vicinity thickly covered with burning powder boxes, which from time to time exploded, scattering fire throughout the mass. Lieutenant Commander Abbett drove the Whipple into the burning mass and, assisted by small boats from other vessels in the harbor, succeeded in rescuing a large number of men who, but for the help so promptly and heroically extended must have perished in the flaming wreckage.