Richard H. Cruzen

Vice Admiral Richard Harold Cruzen (April 28, 1897 – April 15, 1970) was a United States Navy officer best known for his participation and leadership in Antarctic expeditions.

Cruzen was born on April 28, 1897 in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduation from Gallatin High School in Gallatin, Missouri, he attended the Virginia Military Institute and the Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1916.

As a midshipman, Cruzen served on the battleship USS Mississippi (BB-41) during the First World War. The Mississippi operated with the Atlantic Fleet during the summer of 1918.

Cruzen graduated from the Naval Academy in 1919 and was commissioned as an ensign. His first assignment was to the battleship USS Idaho (BB-42).

Between the years of 1925 and 1937 Cruzen served on a number of ships of different types. Ships he served on included the battleships USS Nevada (BB-36) and USS California (BB-44). Other ships he served on were the destroyers Claxton, Delphy, Sinclair, Shirk, Elliott, Pope and Simpson and the destroyer tender USS Rigel (AD-13).

Cruzen was a graduate of the command course at the United States Naval War College.

On September 11, 1939 Cruzen assumed command of the 65-year-old screw barkentine USS Bear (AG-29). Bear participated in the United States Antarctic Service Expedition, under the command of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, a renowned aviator and explorer who led the government financed expedition to evaluate the economic and military value of the Antarctic continent.

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