Joseph K. Taussig Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Knefler Taussig Jr
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Official photograph of Taussig as a junior officer
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| Born | May 28, 1920 Newport, Rhode Island |
| Died | December 14, 1999 (aged 79) Annapolis, Maryland |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941-1954 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | World War II
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| Awards | Navy Cross, Purple Heart |
| Relations | Vice Admiral Joseph Taussig (father) Rear Admiral Edward David Taussig (grandfather) |
Joseph Knefler Taussig Jr. (born May 28, 1920 – died December 14, 1999) was an officer in the United States Navy. He served during and after World War II. Later, he worked as a civilian official for the Navy in the 1980s. Joseph Jr. came from a family of Navy leaders. His father was Vice Admiral Joseph Taussig. His grandfather was Rear Admiral Edward David Taussig.
Contents
Joseph Taussig Jr. was born in Newport, Rhode Island. This happened on May 28, 1920. He went to high school in Washington D.C. After that, he joined the United States Naval Academy. He finished his studies there on February 7, 1941. His first assignment was to the battleship USS Nevada (BB-36).
Heroism at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Joseph Taussig Jr. was on duty aboard the USS Nevada. He was the officer in charge of the ship's anti-aircraft guns. These guns helped defend against enemy planes. During the attack, Taussig was badly hurt. He was severely wounded in his leg. Despite his injuries, he refused to leave his post. His crew members had to carry him away.
He ended up losing his leg due to the injuries. But just three days later, he returned to duty. For his brave actions that day, he received the Navy Cross. This is a very high award for heroism. When he retired from active duty in 1954, he was only 34 years old. He was the youngest captain in the Navy at that time.
In 1981, Joseph Taussig Jr. returned to serve the Navy. This time, he worked as a civilian. He became the Navy's first high-level safety specialist. He was appointed as a special assistant to the Secretary of the Navy in 1985. He often called himself the "safety czar." He worked to make Navy operations safer. He received the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award twice. This award honors excellent civilian service.
Later Life and Legacy
Joseph Taussig Jr. married Betty Bostwick Carney in 1943. Her father was Rear Admiral Robert Bostwick Carney. He later became the Chief of Naval Operations. Joseph Taussig Jr. passed away on December 14, 1999. He was 79 years old. He died from an embolism at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
After his death, his wife, Betty Carney Taussig, honored him. In 2001, she created the Joseph K. Taussig Jr. Award. This award is given at the United States Naval Academy. Betty Carney Taussig died in 2015 at age 94. Both Joseph and Betty are buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.
The Executive Suite at the United States Naval Institute headquarters is named after him. This building is located in Annapolis.
Images for kids
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Official photograph of Taussig as a junior officer
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Taussig as a civilian Defense Department employee in 1983
