Robert Henry English facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Henry English
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Robert English prior to his promotion to rear admiral
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| Born | 16 January 1888 Warrenton, Georgia, US |
| Died | 21 January 1943 (aged 55) near Ukiah, California, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1911–1943 |
| Rank |  Rear Admiral |
| Commands held | USS O-4 (SS-65) USS Helena (CL-50) Commander, Submarines, United States Pacific Fleet |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Distinguished Service Medal |
Robert Henry English (born January 16, 1888 – died January 21, 1943) was a brave officer in the United States Navy. He was in charge of all U.S. Navy submarines in the Pacific Ocean during the early part of World War II.
Contents
Early Life and Heroism
Robert English was born in Warrenton, Georgia. He joined the United States Naval Academy and finished his training in 1911. Early in his career, he chose to become a submariner, someone who serves on submarines.
In 1917, while he was the commander of the submarine USS O-4 (SS-65), he showed great courage. Another submarine, USS O-5 (SS-66), had an explosion. An officer was trapped inside. Robert English bravely rescued the officer. For this heroic act, he received the Navy Cross, a very important award.
Leading Ships in War
After his time on submarines, English was given many important jobs. He became the commanding officer of a large warship called the light cruiser USS Helena (CL-50).
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This surprise attack started World War II for the United States. Robert English was one of the first commanders to get his ship, the USS Helena, ready and fighting back during the attack.
Commander of Pacific Submarines
On May 14, 1942, Robert English was given a very important role. He became the Commander of the Submarine Force for the United States Pacific Fleet. This meant he was in charge of all U.S. submarines operating in the Pacific Ocean during the war.
Sadly, on January 21, 1943, Robert English died in a plane crash. He was a passenger on a Pan American Airways plane called the Philippine Clipper. The plane crashed into a mountain near Ukiah, California. All 19 people on board, including English and other Navy officers, died in the accident.
Because of his excellent service in his last job, Robert English was given another high honor after his death. He received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
Honoring His Name
A destroyer ship, the USS English (DD-696), was named in honor of Robert English. This ship was an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer. It served in the Navy from 1944 until 1970.
