Claude V. Ricketts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Claude Vernon Ricketts
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| Born | February 23, 1906 Missouri, US |
| Died | July 6, 1964 (aged 58) |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1929–1964 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Vice Chief of Naval Operations |
| Battles/wars | World War II Cold War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Navy Commendation Medal |
| Relations | RAdm Myron Ricketts (son) |
Claude Vernon Ricketts (born February 23, 1906 – died July 6, 1964) was a very important four-star admiral in the United States Navy. He served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1961 to 1964. This was a top leadership role in the Navy.
Claude V. Ricketts grew up in Missouri. He finished high school in Kansas in 1922. After that, he joined the Navy. He attended the United States Naval Academy, which is a special college for future Navy officers. He graduated in 1929 and became an officer. While at the Academy, he was the captain of the boxing team for two years.
World War II Hero
During World War II, Ricketts was a lieutenant. He served on the battleship USS West Virginia (BB-48). This ship was attacked during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
During the attack, Lieutenant Ricketts was the gunnery officer. He helped with the ship's anti-aircraft guns. He also helped care for the dying captain, Mervyn Bennion. A brave sailor named Doris Miller also helped. Ricketts worked to save the ship. He helped flood parts of the ship to keep it from tipping over. This was important after it was hit by torpedoes and bombs. He also helped put out fires.
For his brave actions in World War II, he received two important awards. These were the Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation Medal.
After the war, Ricketts continued to rise in the Navy. In 1955, he was the commander of the ship USS Saint Paul (CA-73). In 1952, he became a leader in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. This office helps plan and manage the entire Navy.
Later, he became the commander of the United States Second Fleet. This fleet is a large group of Navy ships. In September 1961, he took on the very important job of Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He was second in command of the entire U.S. Navy.
Legacy
Admiral Claude V. Ricketts sadly passed away on July 6, 1964. He was still serving in his important role at the time. After his death, he was given another high honor. He received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. This medal was for his excellent service as Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
To remember him, the Navy named a ship after him. The destroyer USS Biddle was renamed USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5). Also, a building at the Naval Academy, where he studied, was named Ricketts Hall in his honor.
Admiral Ricketts' son, Rear Admiral Myron Ricketts, also served in the Navy. He was known for designing and engineering many ships.
