Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Louis
Emil
Denfeld

Born:

Westborough

, 

Massachusetts

Home:

Westborough

, 

Massachusetts

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Louis Denfeld graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1912. From December 15, 1947 to November 2, 1949, he served as the 11th Chief of Naval Operations. He was a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 1950, but lost his bid for that office.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 2, 1942 – March 29, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 354 (September 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Louis E. Denfeld, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel from 2 January 1942 to 29 March 1945. Vice Admiral Denfeld undertook an exacting assignment in advancing the difficult and complex program of rapid expansion in personnel necessary to the manning of ships and shore bases in wide-spread areas of operations. He rendered inestimable service in the initiation, coordination and execution of plans for the various phases of procurement, training and distribution of personnel. His splendid leadership and devotion to duty were essential factors in the successful functioning of our tremendous Navy.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Action Date:

    April 7 – December 26, 1941
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 327 (June 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Louis E. Denfeld, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of an Atlantic Fleet task force from 7 April 1941 to 26 December 1941.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    January 2, 1942 – March 28, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Louis E. Denfeld, 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 Naval Personnel from 2 January 1942 to 28 March 1945.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 24 – August 14, 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 347 (February 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral Louis E. Denfeld, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of 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 Battleship support unit from 24 May 1945 to 2 August 1945 and Commander Battleship Division NINE from 1 July 1945 to 15 August 1945.