Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Karl
Goldsmith
Hensel
November 4, 1901

–

August 18, 1994

Karl Hensel graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1923. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1943 – April 4, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 350 (May 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Karl Goldsmith Hensel, 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 Submarine Division from 14 January 1943 to 7 October 1944; Submarine Force Pacific Fleet, Administrative representative, Hunter’s Point, California, from 7 October 1944 to 19 December 1944; and Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet, Administration, Mare Island, California, from 20 December 1944 to 4 April 1945.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Swordfish (SS-193)

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1943 – February 7, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 343 (October 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Karl Goldsmith Hensel, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 26 December 1943 to 7 February 1944, in enemy Japanese home waters off the main island Honshu. During this daring and dangerous patrol, Captain Hensel pursued and attacked an enemy convoy, sinking or damaging enemy vessels totaling 20,000 tons. Throughout these attacks, made in spite of adverse weather conditions, outstanding ship control and the performance of a well-trained crew enabled his ship to return to port. Captain Hensel’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.