Norvell G. Ward
| Norvell G. Ward | |
|---|---|
Ward in naval uniform
|
|
| Birth name | Norvell Gardiner Ward |
| Nickname(s) | Bub |
| Born |
December 30, 1912 Indian Head, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | July 19, 2005 (aged 92) Atlantic Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1931–1973 |
| Rank |
 Rear admiral
|
| Commands held |
|
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
|
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Kearney Ward |
Norvell Gardiner Ward (30 December 1912 – 19 July 2005) was an American naval officer and a recipient of the Navy Cross. He was a submariner for most of his naval career, but was also known for his planning and war gaming abilities. As an rear admiral was instrumental in planning and overseeing many naval operations during the Vietnam War, notably Operation Market Time.
Ward was born in Indian Head, Maryland, the son of a civil service supervisor at the Naval Powder Factory. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1931. During his senior year at the academy he was recognized as an all-American lacrosse player.
During World War II, Ward was initially assigned to submarine USS Seadragon where he went on five patrols. Ward served as executive officer of submarine USS Gato before assuming command of submarine USS Guardfish in May 1943. While on patrol from 14 June to 31 July, Ward was able to sink eight Japanese ships in six "well planned and executed" torpedo attacks totaling more than 38,000 tons, which earned him a Navy Cross. After reassignment, he served as assistant operations officer on the staff of the commander of Pacific submarine forces for the remainder of the war.
During the Korean War he asked for and received assignment as the commanding officer of USS Yarnall. This assignment lasted from 28 February 1951 to 18 June 1952 and was unusual for a submariner, but he wanted operational experience as a surface ship commanding officer.
Ward was assigned as the commander of a submarine squadron that had the responsibility of testing the surface-fired Regulus missile. In 1958, he entered the Polaris missile program and later was assigned as the commander of Submarine Squadron 14, the first group of Polaris submarines deployed overseas.
...
Wikipedia