Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Hyman
G.
Rickover
January 27, 1900

–

July 8, 1986

Born:

Mak—w Mazowiecki

, 

Poland

Home:

Chicago

, 

Illinois

Hyman Rickover graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1922. He became known during his career as “Father of the Nuclear Navy.”

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 1961 – January 1964
    All Hands (May 1964)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Manager, Naval Reactors, Division of Reactor Development, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, and as Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Ships for Nuclear Propulsion from January 1961 to January 1964. During this period, Vice Admiral Rickover exercised dynamic leadership and outstanding professional competence in assuring the continuing contributions of a major element in our national capability to deter aggression. He skillfully directed the efforts of his staff toward the cooperative development of the POLARIS weapons system to its present advanced state, with 16 POLARIS submarines now in active service and 25 more under construction. In addition, during this period, the nuclear-powered surface ships, ENTERPRISE, LONG BEACH, and BAINBRIDGE, joined the Fleet. These ships, each of a different combatant type, are establishing high standards for the new fleet of combatant surface ships to follow. Under Vice Admiral Rickover’s leadership, the cost of U.S. naval nuclear propulsion plants has been lowered, reactor core life has been increased, and significant improvements in simplicity and dependability have been achieved. His contributions in the field of civilian reactors have been important factors in the continued development of these units.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    January 1941 – October 15, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 353 (August 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Hyman G. Rickover, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Head of the Electrical Section, Bureau of Ships, from January 1941 to 15 October 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    March 1949 – July 1952
    All Hands (November 1952 & October 1964)

    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 to Captain Hyman G. Rickover, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of the Naval Reactors Branch, Division of Reactor Development, U.S. Energy Commission, and as Director of the Nuclear Power Division of the Navy Bureau of Ships, from March 1949 to July 1952. Displaying exceptional talents in the field of mobile power reactors and exercising unceasing drive and energy, Captain Rickover, more than any other individual, is responsible for the rapid development of the nuclear ship program.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 17, 1955 – January 17, 1961

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from 17 January 1955 to 17 January 1961 while in charge of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program in the Department of the Navy and in the United States Atomic Energy Commission. Through Vice Admiral Rickover’s skillful technical direction, unusual foresight, and unswerving perseverance, the United States has attained preeminence in the field of naval nuclear propulsion. His vision in the training of the crews of our nuclear powered ships, and his insistence on high engineering standards are influencing those who bear a responsibility in preparing the Navy and the Nation for the demanding and exacting trials of the nuclear and missile age. As a result of his untiring and relentless efforts, nuclear propulsion has provided us with the foundation of the new Navy – nuclear-powered submarines which have revolutionized naval offensive and defensive tactics and nuclear-powered ships free to go anywhere at any time. Nuclear propulsion, developed under his astute leadership, will take its place in history as one of the key developments profoundly affecting all the navies of the world. In addition to his major efforts in the nuclear propulsion field, Vice Admiral Rickover has made other important contributions in the field of naval engineering and has always been a source of wise counsel in matters affecting both the Navy and the national interest. His distinguished and inspiring accomplishments reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.