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Albert France graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1918. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38)

    Action Date:

    March 26 – December 26, 1943

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 03082 (July 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Albert Finley France, Jr. (NSN: 0-17040), 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 Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 26 March to 26 December 1943. After taking a valiant part in the capture and occupation of the important islands of Attu and Kiska in the Aleutians, Captain France participated in the cruiser-destroyer action south of Kiska Island on the night of 25 – 26 July. A gallant leader and a splendid seaman, he contributed essentially to the effectiveness of these hazardous engagements and to the subsequent success of our forces in the assault and capture of the Makin Group, Gilbert Islands and the raid on the Kwajalein Group of the Marshall Islands.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38)

    Action Date:

    November 27 – December 10, 1943

    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 50 (May 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Albert Finley France, Jr. (NSN: 0-17040), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), member of a Carrier Task Group, during combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Kwajalein and Wotje Atolls, from 27 November to 10 December 1943. When three enemy torpedo bombers flew in at low-level over the ships for a sudden attack, Captain France maneuvered his vessel with outstanding tactical skill, successfully evading a hostile torpedo launched at close range. Although subjected to intense strafing from the enemy aircraft, his gun crews manned their guns with deadly accuracy, sending up vigorous fire which destroyed all three hostile planes. Throughout fierce night aerial assaults on a later occasion, he again fought his ship with aggressive determination, repeatedly forcing enemy aircraft to withdraw before reaching advantageous striking positions. Captain France’s brilliant leadership and courageous devotion to duty under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.