PURNELL-WILLIAM
WILLIAM REYNOLDS PURNELL
VADM
William Reynolds Purnell Date of death: 5-Mar-55
William Purnell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1908. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War I
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander William Reynolds Purnell, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LAMSON, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested with enemy submarines and mines, in escorting and protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted against all forms of enemy naval activity during World War I.
Action Date: World War I
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Lamson
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret