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Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
Howell
Binford
August 25, 1896

–

August 27, 1973

Thomas Binford graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1920. He retired as a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Miami (CL-89)

    Action Date:

    February 1 – May 5, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Thomas Howell Binford (NSN: 0-20489), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MIAMI (CL-89). During the period from 1 February to 5 May 1945, his ship engaged in the support of air strikes against Tokyo, Chichi Jima, Okinawa Jima, Iwo Jima, and Kyushu, and the bombardment of Okina Daito Jima. While under air attack on 14 April 1945, his ship towed a crippled destroyer and rendered other valuable assistance which enabled that ship to retire safely to port. His inspiring leadership, during operations against the enemy, consistently maintained the fighting efficiency of his ship at a high peak and made possible the outstanding record of destruction against the enemy. His conduct and professional skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Binford is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 20, 1941 – February 28, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Thomas Howell Binford (NSN: 0-20489), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of a destroyer division during the Java Sea Campaign between 20 December 1941 and 28 February 1942. During this period Captain Binford’s ships performed important convoy duty and was an important unit in the Allied Offensive Striking Force. In addition, as the senior American Destroyer Officer, Captain Binford worked in close liaison with the Dutch Commander of the Allied Striking Force and ably assisted him in the preparation, plans, and execution of his orders. Although subjected to many Japanese aerial attacks and always forced to fight superior enemy Japanese surface forces, it was through his skilful leadership, excellent judgment, tactical ability, and determined fighting spirit, that he contributed materially to the destruction of enemy naval units, and without loss of any of his ships, and safe return to an allied port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Destroyer Division 58

    Action Date:

    February 19 – 20, 1942
    Commander U.S. Forces Southwest Pacific: Serial 251238 (February 26, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Thomas Howell Binford (NSN: 0-20489), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander, Destroyer Division FIFTY-EIGHT (DesDiv 58), in action against a greatly superior enemy Japanese naval force in the Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. Despite the heavy opposing fire of the enemy, Commander Binford, following a well-conceived plan, led his Division through a large, strongly escorted convoy, sank numerous enemy ships with torpedoes, damaged others with gun fire, and successfully retired his Division without major damage to his ship and with only one casualty to his personnel. The conduct of Commander Binford throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    Destroyer Division 58

    Action Date:

    February 27, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Howell Binford (NSN: 0-20489), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander, Destroyer Division FIFTY-EIGHT (DesDiv 58), during the Battle of the Java Sea, on 27 February 1942, and in offensive daylight action against the Japanese Battle Line of heavy and light cruisers. Courageous and daring in the face of severe enemy fire, Captain Binford fought his ships boldly throughout this hazardous engagement, going in unsupported to deliver a successful torpedo attack against two hostile heavy cruisers and seven light cruisers, forcing the Japanese to break off the attack and thereby enabling the Allied ships to regain their battle formation. Captain Binford’s superb seamanship and outstanding professional skill and the valiant fighting spirit of the officers and men under his command reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.