Navy Federal Credit Union

Roland Brainard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1906. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1942 – April 30, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Roland Munroe Brainard (NSN: 0-5920), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as a Task Force Commander of the United States Atlantic Fleet. Vice Admiral Brainard assumed command of Task Force TWENTY-FOUR, United States Atlantic Fleet, on 20 April 1942. This Task Force composed of the Ocean Trade Convoy Escorts, Greenland Patrol, and Naval Operating Base, Argentia, and the Weather Patrol Ships with headquarters in Argentia, Newfoundland, was assigned the specific tasks in reference. Vice Admiral Brainard directed the escort-of-trade-convoy operations in the northern portion of the Western Atlantic from 20 April 1942 to 30 April 1943. During this period there were one hundred and ninety-three convoys averaging forty ships per convoy or a total of seven thousand, seven hundred and twenty, with a loss of only one hundred and eighty-six ships. The direction of the escorts for these convoys was difficult and trying because the convoys passed necessarily through waters where enemy submarines were frequently encountered and because the rigorous climate in this northern area made the operation of surface ships and aircraft difficult and hazardous. He also administered the several base projects under his cognizance so that they showed marked progress. As representative and liaison officer in combined operations with other Allied forces he rendered outstanding service. This is evidenced when he turned over the direction of the escort-of-trade-convoy operations to the Commander-in-Chief, Canadian Northwest Atlantic Command. Vice Admiral Brainard executed his duties in this position of great responsibility in an outstanding and highly satisfactory manner. He cooperated to the highest degree and his advice was candid and accurate. His conduct of the operations described was characterized by good judgment and sound decision, which contributed in a large measure to their successful accomplishment. His detachment to other duty on 30 April 1943, is regretted. In addition to the services rendered as Commander Task Force TWENTY-FOUR, Vice Admiral Brainard served as Commander Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet, from 14 March 1942 until 19 April 1942. During this period he organized the Amphibious Force and initiated the training schedules in an outstanding manner. He gave this Force an excellent start which is reflected in the excellent work it is doing today.