Ernest Gregor Small (5 November 1888 – 27 December 1944) was an admiral in the
United States Navy during
World War II.
Biography
Small was born in
Waltham, Massachusetts, on 5 November 1888. He graduated from the
United States Naval Academy and received his commission as ensign on 7 June 1912. From 1940–42 he headed the Ordnance and Gunnery Department at the Naval Academy.
On 10 April 1942 he assumed command of
''Salt Lake City'' (CA-25) and was subsequently awarded the
Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his conning of the
cruiser
A cruiser is a type of warship. Modern cruisers are generally the largest ships in a fleet after aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, and can usually perform several roles.
The term "cruiser", which has been in use for several hu ...
against
Japanese surface units off
Savo Island, 11–12 October 1942 in the
Battle of Cape Esperance. From January to August 1943 he served eminently as war plans officer on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief,
Pacific Fleet. He spent the next year in distinguished performance as Commander Cruiser Division 5. Rear Admiral Small died in
Brooklyn, New York on 27 December 1944.
Namesake
In 1945, the
destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast, manoeuvrable, long-endurance warship intended to escort
larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against powerful short range attackers. They were originally developed in ...
USS ''Ernest G. Small'' (DD-838) was named in his honor.
See also
References
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Small, Ernest
1888 births
1944 deaths
United States Navy admirals
United States Naval Academy alumni
Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)
People from Waltham, Massachusetts
United States Navy World War II admirals
Military personnel from Massachusetts