World War II Honoree

Henry Claiborne Crommelin

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Montgomery, Alabama

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. In January 1942, he joined and assumed command of the destroyer USS Fitch. The Fitch served in Atlantic convoy duty and in November 1942 the invasion of North Africa. In December 15, 1942, he took command of the destroyer USS Guest and then transferred to Destroyer Division Fifty which participated in the invasion of Tarawa. He served on destroyers on Guam, Mariana Islands, and the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He then was sent back to Washington, D.C. to the Bureau of Naval Personnel where he served for two years in the Office Distribution Division. Received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star.