TRUE-ARNOLD

 

RADM Arnold Ellsworth True graduated from the Naval Academy in August, 1920 and served in surface ships and airships until 1929. In 1931 he received a Master of Science degree from Massachusetts institute of Technology. He then served in Navy Weather and Aerological billets, including assignment as Aerology Officer, Fleet Air Base, Pearl Harbor in 1936. True then attended the Naval War College in 1938-1939.

 

As World War II approached, LCDR True assumed command of a new Sims Class Destroyer, the USS Hammann DD-412. At the Battle of Midway, USS Hammann was assigned to the destroyer screen for USS Yorktown CV-5. When Yorktown was damaged by Japanese dive bombers, Hammann was assigned to come alongside and provide pumping power in an attempt to keep the Carrier afloat. Japanese Submarine I-168 fired a spread of torpedoes at the Yorktown and the second torpedo struck the Hammann in fireroom 2. That strike broke the ship's keel and the forward bulkhead of the forward engine room was carried away; oil, water and other debris was blown over the Yorktown and Hammann. The mooring lines and hoses connecting the Hammann and Yorktown parted and the Hammann was flung away from the Yorktown. During the impact, Captain True was thrown against the pilot house desk, breaking a rib and knocking the wind out of him. Recovering, LCDR True, the Executive Officer and Gunnery Officer left the sinking ship as the forecastle was submerging. All three swam clear of Hammann as it sank. It is estimated that the ship went down within three to four minutes from the torpedo strike. As the Hammann sank, her depth charges, preset to go off at different depths, killed many crew members in the water. His next assignment was as COMDESDIV FOUR in 1942-1943. He then served in various Navy Weather and Aerology billets. Captain True retired from active duty in December, 1946 and was advanced to Rear Admiral on the Retired List. RADM True died at Palo Alto California 11 December 1979 and is buried at Arlington national Cemetery.

 

RADM True received the Navy Cross and Navy Distinguished Service Medal from Admiral Halsey. An extract of his Navy Cross Citation follows:

 

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Arnold Ellsworth TRUE, Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HAMMANN (DD-412), during the rescue of survivors from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON in the battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. While still in danger of another attack by enemy planes and while the LEXINGTON was being shaken by violent explosions and was being gutted by raging fires, Commander True, in total disregard for his own safety, placed his ship alongside the LEXINGTON and took off a large number of survivors. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

 

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret.