Edward Beach graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1939. His father, Edward Latimer Beach, Sr., also graduated from the Naval Academy (1888) and also earned the Navy Cross (WWI). Lieutenant Commander Beach’s Commanding Officer on the war patrol in which he earned the Navy Cross was Commander George Street, who earned the Medal of Honor for his attack on enemy shipping on April 14, 1945, during the same war patrol. Like his father, Edward Beach, Jr., retired as a U.S. Navy Captain. He later authored several books including “Submarine” (June 1952), “Run Silent, Run Deep” (March 1955), and “Around the World Submerged-the Voyage of the Triton” (1962).
Sponsored by:
Edward
Latimer
Beach
, Jr.
April 20, 1918
–
December 1, 2002
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237)Action Date:
1942 – 1943
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 55 (May 19, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (NSN: 0-82573), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer on board the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237), during a successful War Patrol of that vessel in enemy-controlled Pacific waters during World War II. Undaunted by the enemy’s vicious anti-submarine measures, Lieutenant Commander Beach exercised alert presence of mind as Co-Approach Officer, carrying out his demanding duties on the bridge with vigilance and determination as his submarine attacked important enemy ships. By his technical skill and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Lieutenant Commander Beach contributed directly to the sinking of five enemy vessels, totaling over 39,900 tons, and his heroic service throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. TritonAction Date:
February 16, 1960 – May 10, 1960
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (NSN: 0-82573), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving on board the U.S.S. TRITON from 16 February 1960 to 10 May 1960. As Commanding Officer, Captain Beach led his crew with courage, foresight and determination in an unprecedented circumnavigation of the globe, proving man’s ability under trying conditions to accomplish prolonged submerged missions as well as testing new and complex equipment in the world’s largest submarine. This historic voyage took his ship into strange waters under difficult and frequently unknown conditions. As a result, the TRITON collected much oceanographic information. Captain Beach’s sound judgment, masterful leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]Division:
U.S.S. Trigger (SS-237)Action Date:
1942 – 1943
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 54 (June 11, 1946)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (NSN: 0-82573), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer on board the U.S.S. TRIGGER (SS-237), during a War Patrol of that vessel in enemy-controlled waters. Lieutenant Commander Beach’s consistent and precise control of depth contributed directly to his vessel’s success in destroying or inflicting extensive damage upon enemy shipping and Fleet units. In an attack on a large new Japanese aircraft carrier, his performance of duty under trying circumstances was instrumental in the crippling of this valuable target and in the successful evasion of enemy countermeasures. By his unfaltering judgment and professional skill, Lieutenant Commander Beach served as an inspiration to the entire ship’s company and his conduct throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Tirante (SS-420)Action Date:
March 3 – April 25, 1945
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 033268 (September 30, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (NSN: 0-82573), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Executive Officer, Navigator and Assistant Approach Officer on board the U.S.S. TIRANTE (SS-420), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 March 1945 to 25 April 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the East China Sea. An expert seaman and daring navigator, Lieutenant Commander Beach rendered valiant service to his Commanding Officer in penetrating mined and shoal-obstructed waters in defiance of hostile shore-based radar stations and aircraft. By his excellent judgment and keen understanding of attack problems, he aided immeasurably in sending the TIRANTE’s torpedoes into her targets with deadly accuracy and contributed to the sinking of three Japanese cargo ships, one large transport, a hostile tanker, three patrol frigates and one lugger, totaling 28,000 tons of shipping vital to the enemy’s ability to prosecute the war. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty was a major factor in the illustrious combat record achieved by his ship and in her safe return to port in spite of severe enemy countermeasures. Lieutenant Commander Beach’s cool initiative and gallant conduct throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.