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Frank
Edmund
Beatty
June 17, 1894

–

November 12, 1976

Frank Beatty graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1916. He retired as a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Columbia (CL-56)

    Action Date:

    October 30 – November 2, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00162 (January 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Frank Edmund Beatty (NSN: 0-9673), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Cruiser U.S.S. COLUMBIA (CL-56), during a 36-hour period from midnight 30 October 1943 to noon 2 November 1943. During this period Task Force 39 of which the U.S.S. COLUMBIA was a unit, conducted the first daylight bombardment of the Shortland-Faisi-Ballale Area while subjected to heavy enemy shore battery fire and bombing attacks. The Task Force of which the U.S.S. COLUMBIA was a member, further, decisively defeated in night action, a heavier gunned enemy surface force composed of at least 4 cruisers, of which two were 8-inch cruisers, and 8 destroyers of which at least 1 cruiser and 4 destroyers were sunk and the remainder put to ignominious flight towards their bases with 2 cruisers and 2 destroyers heavily damaged and under hot pursuit by our forces. This defeat prevented the Japanese Task Force from bombarding our beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay, and destroying our transport and mine laying groups and thereby materially contributed to the successful establishment of our land and air forces in the Bougainville Island. The Task Force successfully fought off a heavy air attack by at least 67 Japanese dive and medium bombers with the destruction of at least 17 Japanese planes by the ship’s anti-aircraft gunfire. During these actions the U.S.S. COLUMBIA received only negligible damage while inflicting severe damage and casualties to the enemy. By his fearlessness, calmness, and gallant determination on the exposed bridge of his ship Captain Beatty set an example of conduct under stress of battle that was an inspiration. His relentless fighting spirit and devotion to duty, maintained at great risk in the face of grave personal danger was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Columbia (CL-56)

    Action Date:

    May 1943 – June 1944

    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 Frank Edmund Beatty (NSN: 0-9673), 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. COLUMBIA (CL-56) from May 1943 to June 1944. Throughout this long period of hazardous duty in South Pacific Areas, the COLUMBIA operated with Task Group 36.9 and with Task Force THIRTY-NINE. She participated in the bombardment of enemy installations on Munda, Buka airfield, the Shortland Islands, causing many large fires and destroying all enemy shore batteries that fired on her. The COLUMBIA covered the landing and beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay and shot down one enemy plane off Bougainville. The courage and professional skill displayed by Captain Beatty contributed materially to the COLUMBIA’s operations. His conduct and devotion to duty were outstanding and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Beatty is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1944 – May 12, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Frank Edmund Beatty (NSN: 0-9673), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander All Forces, Aruba-Curacao during the period 23 July 1944 to 12 May 1945. While serving as Commander All Forces, Aruba-Curacao, Rear Admiral Beatty commanded forces of the Dutch Army and Navy as well as the United States Army and Navy. Under his command, supervision, and direction the vital oil ports on the islands of Aruba and Curacao were secured against possible enemy attack or sabotage, and the internal security of these ports were protected. Rear Admiral Beatty maintained complete and thorough liaison with the Dutch Governor of the Netherlands East Indies. He directed and protected vital maritime traffic, largely in oil, in the several ports of Aruba and Curacao. The initiative, professional skill, tact, judgment and diplomacy displayed by Rear Admiral Beatty in directing the forces of his command in an area vital to the Allied war effort, and in dealing with the Netherlands authorities, reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.