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Apollo
Soucek

Apollo Soucek graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1921. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hornet (CV-8)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (May 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Apollo Soucek, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Executive Officer on board the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the operations of the U.S. Naval Forces north of the Santa Cruz, Islands, on 26 October 1942. Captain Soucek skillfully directed difficult operations, including handling of the heavy towing cable and anchor chain, which enabled the aircraft carrier to be taken into tow after she had suffered serious damage. His courageous leadership in this action and during his earlier direction of the control of fires aboard the carrier served as an inspiring example to the HORNET’s crew. Captain Soucek’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Apollo Soucek, 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 during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1929
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 144 (November 8, 1930)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Apollo Soucek, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in duly authorized aerial flights. Lieutenant Soucek, while carrying on high altitude experiments in connection with the development of aviation, through his achievements in the art of high altitude flying, established on 8 May 1929 a world’s altitude record for heavier-than-aircraft, and on 4 June 1929 established a world’s altitude record for seaplanes. These experiments are considered to be of the very highest importance in the proper development of engines, propellers, oxygen equipment and flying equipment for high altitudes. Besides the prestige gained by American aviation and Naval aviation in particular, a very large amount of valuable data has been obtained by Lieutenant Soucek who has exhibited throughout his entire naval career officer-like qualities of the highest order.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    January – June 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 381 (November 1948)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Apollo Soucek, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations on the Staff of Commander Air Pacific, from January 1943 to June 1943.