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William
Marchant
Cole
January 10, 1903

–

July 21, 1994

William Cole graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1924. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 4 – 7, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 343 (October 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain William Marchant Cole, 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 Commander of a task unit in the Southwest Pacific area 4 to 5 December 1944; and at Leyte, 7 December 1944.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Fletcher (DD-445)

    Action Date:

    November 12 – 13, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 312 (March 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Marchant Cole, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Commander Cole was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country’s forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Commander Cole contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.