George D. Murray

George Dominic Murray (July 6, 1889 – June 18, 1956) was an admiral in the United States Navy and an early naval aviator.

George Dominic Murray
Born(1889-07-06)July 6, 1889
South Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died18 June 1956(1956-06-18) (aged 66)
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1910–1951
Rank Admiral
Commands heldFirst Fleet
Naval Air Force, Pacific
USS Enterprise
VT-20
Battles/warsWorld War I
World War II
AwardsNavy Cross
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (2)[1]

Biography

Murray was born in Boston, Massachusetts, attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1911 and becoming naval aviator number 22 in 1915.[2]

At the beginning of 1924, he was the commander of Torpedo and Bombing Squadron 20 (VT-20). In January, his squadron of seaplanes was transferred from San Diego to the Philippines aboard Vega (AK-17) to provide air support for the Asiatic Fleet.[3]

During World War II, Murray commanded the aircraft carrier Enterprise (CV-6), from 21 March 1941 to 30 June 1942, which included the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo and the Battle of Midway.[4]

From 17 August 1944 to 20 July 1945, he commanded U.S. Naval Air Forces, Pacific Fleet.[5]

At the end of the war, Murray was the commander of the Mariana Islands, and accepted the Japanese surrender of the Caroline Islands aboard his flagship, the cruiser Portland (CA-33).[6][7]

He commanded the First Fleet from August 1947 to August 1948.

He retired as a full admiral in 1951, died in San Francisco, California, on 18 June 1956, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.[4]

In 1961, Murray was posthumously designated the third recipient of the Gray Eagle Award, as the most senior active naval aviator from 1947 until his retirement.

Personal life

Murray is the stepfather of Vice Admiral Lloyd M. Mustin, the step grandfather of Vice Admiral Henry C. Mustin, and the step great grandfather of Vice Admiral John B. Mustin.

References
  1. "Military Times Hall of Valor : Awards for George Dominic Murray". militarytimes.com. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  2. Evans, Mark L.; Grossnick, Roy A. (27 January 2016). "Chapter 8: History of the Naval Aviator and Designations and Numbers". United States Naval Aviation 1910-2010 (PDF). Vol. II. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. p. 192. ISBN 9781523715565. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  3. Grossnick, Roy A. (1997). United States Naval Aviation 1910-1995. Naval Historical Center, U.S. Department of the Navy. p. 58. ISBN 9780160491245. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  4. "George D. Murray". earlyaviators.com. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  5. Grossnick (1997). United States Naval Aviation, 1910-1995. p. 417. ISBN 9780160491245. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  6. "Naval History : USS Portland (CA-33)". historycentral.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  7. "USS Portland - Surrender of Truk Atoll, 2 September 1945". ussportland.org. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
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