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Navy Federal Credit Union
Henry
Becker
Sweitzer
June 15, 1918

–

January 4, 2009

Henry Sweitzer graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1942. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Picuda (SS-382)

    Action Date:

    December 29, 1944 – February 15, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Henry Becker Sweitzer (NSN: 0-123320), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. PICUDA (SS-382), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters from 29 December 1944 to 15 February 1945. Lieutenant Sweitzer’s intelligent coordination of the fire control party and ability to evaluate and transmit vital information to his Commanding Officer during approach phases contributed directly to his vessel’s success in sinking or damaging enemy shipping totaling more than 35,000 tons. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Picuda (SS-382)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    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 Henry Becker Sweitzer (NSN: 0-123320), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. PICUDA (SS-382), during a war patrol of that submarine in World War II. Lieutenant Sweitzer’s precise control of depth was of valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks which resulted in sinking over 30,000 tons of enemy shipping, and damaging 10,000 tons. His calm manner and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    July 1967 – October 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Henry Becker Sweitzer (NSN: 0-123320), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Military Assistant (Legislative and Legal) to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, from July 1967 to October 1969. Captain Sweitzer was totally responsible for furnishing advice and staff assistance to the Chairman on all legislative and legal matters, including preparation of all statements and substantive material for the Chairman’s numerous and highly-sensitive appearances before Congressional committees. This duty was unremittingly taxing, and demanded absolute error-proof submissions regardless of the circumstances involved. Captain Sweitzer is particularly cited for his responsive action and strong, knowledgeable support he rendered the Chairman in connection with the U.S.S. PUEBLO and EC-121 incidents off the coast of North Korea. The corroborative material and briefings he prepared for the Chairman were outstandingly helpful and provided all data necessary for accurate and well-substantiated presentations to the President and the Congress. Captain Sweitzer invariably displayed sound judgment and a capacity to research thoroughly all issues under consideration in sensitive and highly-important areas. His exceptional ability to analyze and recommend resolutions to complicated legal and budgetary problems was particularly noteworthy. Through his professional competence, integrity and accomplishments, he contributed immeasurably toward maintaining a posture of dignity for the Armed Forces, and the preparedness needed to meet with complete competence the myriad policy issues operative at the nation’s capitol. The quality of Captain Sweitzer’s performance of duty consistently reflected great credit upon himself, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Picuda (SS-382)

    Action Date:

    February 17 – April 5, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: (October 9, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Henry Becker Sweitzer (NSN: 0-123320), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Plotting Officer in the U.S.S. PICUDA (SS-382), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 17 February to 5 April 1944. Furnishing his Commanding Officer with a continuous flow of information, Lieutenant Commander Sweitzer contributed to his ship’s success in delivering aggressive torpedo attacks against enemy shipping to sink three ships totaling over 24,000 tons and damage an additional ship of over 7,000 tons, despite severe enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.