Laurance T. DuBose

Following the United States entry into World War II, DuBose still served on the staff of the Naval War College, but requested combat assignment, which was ultimately granted and he immediately embarked for South Pacific. On May 16, 1942, he arrived to Tongatapu, Tonga and assumed command of heavy cruiser USS Portland, which was stationed there for repairs following the Battle of the Coral Sea.[15]

The Portland then embarked as the part of admiral Frank J. Fletcher's Task Force 17 to intercept Japanese forces near Midway Atoll. During the ensuing battle there on June 4–7, 1942, Portland provided anti-aircraft defense for aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, which was struck several times with Japanese torpedoes and sunk. DuBose then commanded rescue operation of surviving Yorktown crew members and transported them aboard Portland to Pearl Harbor two days later.[2][3]

DuBose then sailed for Aleutian Islands to counter a Japanese force there but were recalled to Pearl Harbor two days later. With the upcoming Guadalcanal campaign, Portland provided naval bombardment of Japanese positions during the amphibious landings at Tulagi and Guadalcanal from August 7–9, 1942 and then participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. DuBose skilfully commanded Portland during latter battle and inflicted heavy damaged on Japanese air group without damage to his own ship. For his service during the battle, he was decorated with Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".[3]

He took part in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 25–27, 1942, where originally escorted aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. The Enterprise came under heavy air attack and Portland suffered her first wartime damage, when one of her 1.1-inch (28 mm) guns exploded in firing, also destroying several enemy aircraft. During the later stage of the battle, Portland's bridge lost control of steering, and before it could regain control, a Japanese submarine was spotted. The submarine struck Portland with three torpedoes, but none detonated, likely because the submarine had fired too close and they had no time to arm. DuBose was decorated with first Navy Cross, the United States Navy second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.[1][3]

In early November 1942, Japanese tried to retake Guadalcanal and sent there a troop and supply convoys escorted by aircraft carrier, two battleships, ten cruisers, and sixteen destroyers. The U.S. forces launched aircraft and warship attacks to prevent the Japanese to ground troops on Guadalcanal. DuBose and his Portland were attached to the Cruiser Division 3 under Rear admiral Daniel J. Callaghan and steamed to Guadalcanal.[3]

During the following battle, Portland was damaged by enemy torpedo causing heavy damage to her stern and subsequent blast disrupted her steering column, forcing her to steer in a circle. DuBose skillfully handled Portland, assisted in sinking of enemy destroyer Akatsuki and sunk another destroyer Yūdachi. After the steering problem was solved and Portland was able to withdraw on her own power to Tulagi. She was then towed to Sydney, Australia and escorted for preliminary repairs prior to overhaul in the United States. For his service on Guadalcanal, DuBose received his second Navy Cross and also Navy Unit Commendation.[1][3]

DuBose, Commandant of the 6th Naval District, reads the certificate given the University of South Carolina by the U.S. Navy for its outstanding training of men for the Naval service, June 1946.

DuBose was promoted to Rear admiral in May 1943 and assumed command of newly established Cruiser Division 13 (CruDiv 13). His command consisted of cruisers USS Birmingham and USS Brooklyn (CL-40), where DuBose broke his flag (his flagship was the same vessel, where he once served back in 1937–1939). He led his command to the Mediterranean and held additional duty as Commander of a Fire Support Group during the Invasion of Sicily in July–August 1943. In addition to the supporting of landing, his cruisers destroyed many enemy shore defenses and DuBose received Legion of Merit with Combat "V".[1][2][16]

The CruDiv 13 was subsequently transferred to the Pacific theater and reorganized, now comprising cruisers USS Birmingham (flagship), Santa Fe, USS Mobile and USS Biloxi. DuBose and his cruisers supported landings on Tarawa and Bougainville in late 1943 and then covered aircraft carriers during the strikes on Truk in February 1944 and received his second Legion of Merit.[1][17]

During July and August 1944, DuBose and his division provided air cover for Fast Carrier Task Force during the strikes on Iwo Jima, where participated in destroying of Japanese airfield and intercepting of supply convoy north of Bonin Islands. Despite heavy fire from enemy shore batteries, DuBose and his cruisers bombarded the harbor and shipping at Chichijima and later directed the fleet planes attached to his cruisers in rescuing downed pilots and aircrewmen from carrier planes. He was decorated with third Legion of Merit for his service.[1][18][3]

DuBose assumed additional duty as Commander, Task Force 30.3.1 and his cruisers supported aircraft carriers during the air strikes against Formosa between October 12–14, 1944. He fought his group so skillfully that practically all the attacking airplanes were destroyed. DuBose then escorted the crippled cruisers USS Houston and USS Canberra out of the danger zone following the raids and for his service during that battle, he received his third Navy Cross.[1][19]

He finished his service as Commander, Cruiser Division 13 during the Invasion of Leyte, Philippines in late October and early November 1944 and was relieved by Rear admiral Morton L. Deyo. DuBose received his second Navy Commendation Medal and returned to the United States after consecutive 30 months of service at sea.[3]

After brief leave with family, DuBose reported in the Navy Department in Washington, D.C., for duty as President of the Naval Examining Board with additional duty as a Senior Member of the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals. His main duty was to conduct the professional examinations of line officers, including warrant and chief warrant officers of the United States Navy for promotion; and for appointment, transfer, and promotion of the United States Naval Reserve.[2]

In April 1945, DuBose was ordered to Europe and assumed duty as Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander, Naval Forces Europe under Admiral Harold R. Stark with additional duty as Naval Attache at the American Embassy in London. He remained in that capacity until August that year and returned to the United States for duty as Commandant, Sixth Naval district with headquarters at Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina. While in this capacity, DuBose was responsible for the geographic areas of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina.