Jose M. Cabanillas
Encyclopedia
Rear Admiral José M. Cabanillas (September 23, 1901-September 15, 1979), was an Executive Officer of the USS Texas
which participated in the invasions of North Africa
and the Battle of Normandy
(also known as D-Day
) during World War II
.
to attend the Marion Military Institute
. In the school he underwent a two-year preparatory course which prepared him for the United States Naval Academy
.
, the U.S. appointed governor of Puerto Rico
from 1913 to 1921, to attend the United States Naval Academy. Cabanillas graduated from the Academy on June 4, 1924 and was commissioned an Ensign
in the U.S. Navy. Prior to World War II, Cabanillas served aboard various cruisers, destroyers and submarines. Among the battleships that he served in were the USS Florida
, USS Colorado
and USS Oklahoma
.
From June 1927 to January 1928 he received instruction in submarines at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut
, after which he served in the USS S-3
until May 1930. Cabanillas earned a Master of Science in June 1932 from Yale University
.
In 1942, upon the outbreak of World War II, he was assigned Executive Officer of the USS Texas (BB-35)
. The USS Texas was the oldest remaining dreadnought
, and was one of only two remaining ships to have served in both world wars at that time. On November 8, the Texas participated in the invasion of North Africa
. by destroying an ammunition dump near Port Lyautey. Cabanillas also participated in the invasion of Normandy on (D-day
). On June 6, 1944, his ship's secondary battery went to work on another target, Cherbourg, France, on the western end of "Omaha" beach
. Cabanillas was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," for "meritorious achievement and outstanding performance of duty as Executive Officer of the USS Texas during the Invasion of Normandy and the bombardment of Cherbourg. His Bronze medal citation reads as follows:
In 1945, Cabanillas became the first Commanding officer of the USS Grundy
, which was commissioned on January 3, 1945. The Grundy helped in the evacuation of Americans from China
during the Chinese Civil War
. Under his command, the Grundy earned the following citations: China Service Medal
(extended), American Campaign Medal
, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
, World War II Victory Medal
and the Navy Occupation Service Medal
(with Asia clasp). In December 1945, he was reassigned to Naval Station Norfolk
located in Norfolk, Virginia
, as Assistant Chief of Staff (Discipline), 5th Naval District.
where he served as Commanding Officer.
On July 1950, he became Commander of the USS Dixie
, a destroyer tender in the Pacific. During the Korean War
he provided firing cover to the U.S. Marines
involved in the Inchon invasion
. In 1951, Cabanillas was reassigned to the staff of the United States Pacific Fleet
in Hawaii
. In 1953, he was transferred to the fifth Naval District in San Juan, Puerto Rico
as Chief of Staff.
Cabanillas retired from the Navy in 1955 and moved to Richmond, Virginia
. In 1956, Cabanillas made use of the benefits of the G.I. Bill and studied law at the University of Richmond School of Law
. He passed the Virginia Bar
at the end of his second year. He served as law librarian at the University for 6 years and then joined a Richmond law firm.
Cabanillas died on September 15, 1979 in the Veterans Hospital in Richmond. He was the first Puerto Rican to make rear admiral in the US Navy, albeit a tombstone promotion. He was cremated
and buried at sea
with full military honors
.
Badges:
son of José C. Cabanillas and Asunción Grau de Cabanillas. He received his early education in private schools, and attended Marion (Alabama) Institute and the Army and Navy Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. Entering the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, on appointment at large on 16 June 1920, he participated in Class football and track. He graduated and was commissioned as an Ensign on 4 June 1924, and through subsequent promotions, attained the rank of Rear Admiral, 1955.
After graduation from the Naval Academy in 1924, he had three year's duty at sea, serving successively in the battleships USS Florida, USS Colorado, USS Oklahoma, and the repair ship of Train Squadron Base Fleet USS Vestal. From June 1927 to January 1928 he received instruction in submarines at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, after which he served in the USS S-3 until May 1930. He then returned to Annapolis for instruction in communication engineering at the Postgraduate School, and continuing the course at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, received the degree of Master of Science in June 1932.
A year's duty in the cruiser Northampton preceded duty from June 1933 to April 1935 as Squadron Radio and Sound Officer of Submarine Squadron 3, with additional duty at the Submarine Base, Colo Solo, Canal Zone. He then became District Communication Officer, Tenth Naval District, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was also in command of the Naval Radio Stations at San Juan and Cayey, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Detached in July 1937, he had sea duty for two years first as Executive Officer of the destroyer USS Taylor and later aboard the cruiser USS Raleigh.
He was next ordered to Balboa, Canal Zone, and served from September 1939 to June 1942 as Radio Material Officer. He joined the USS Texas in July 1942, and served as her Navigator until December 1943, and as Executive Officer for a year thereafter. During his period of service aboard the Texas engaged in routine operations in the Atlantic until October 1942; participated in the Invasion of North Africa in November of that year; was engaged in escort of North African convoys in 1943; and took part in the Invasions of Normandy and Southern France in June and August 1944, respectfully.
USS Texas (BB-35)
USS Texas , the second ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the U.S. state of Texas, is a . The ship was launched on 18 May 1912 and commissioned on 12 March 1914....
which participated in the invasions of North Africa
North African campaign
During the Second World War, the North African Campaign took place in North Africa from 10 June 1940 to 13 May 1943. It included campaigns fought in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts and in Morocco and Algeria and Tunisia .The campaign was fought between the Allies and Axis powers, many of whom had...
and the Battle of Normandy
Operation Overlord
Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the operation that launched the invasion of German-occupied western Europe during World War II by Allied forces. The operation commenced on 6 June 1944 with the Normandy landings...
(also known as D-Day
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
) during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Early years
Cabanillas was born to José C. Cabanillas and Asunción Grau de Cabanillas in the city of Mayagüez which is located in the western coast of Puerto Rico. There he received his primary and secondary education. In 1917, at the age of 16, he was sent to AlabamaAlabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
to attend the Marion Military Institute
Marion Military Institute
Marion Military Institute, often abbreviated with the initialism MMI, is the official state military college of Alabama. Founded in Marion in 1842, it continues at its original location.-History:...
. In the school he underwent a two-year preparatory course which prepared him for the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
.
Naval career
He graduated from the institute in 1919 and on June 16, 1920 received an appointment from Arthur YagerArthur Yager
Arthur Yager served as Governor of Puerto Rico from 1913 to 1921.Yager was born in Campbellsburg in Henry County, Kentucky. He earned bachelors and masters degrees from Georgetown College in Kentucky, and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University...
, the U.S. appointed governor of Puerto Rico
Governor of Puerto Rico
The Governor of Puerto Rico is the Head of Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Since 1948, the Governor has been elected by the people of Puerto Rico...
from 1913 to 1921, to attend the United States Naval Academy. Cabanillas graduated from the Academy on June 4, 1924 and was commissioned an Ensign
Ensign (rank)
Ensign is a junior rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces of some countries, normally in the infantry or navy. As the junior officer in an infantry regiment was traditionally the carrier of the ensign flag, the rank itself acquired the name....
in the U.S. Navy. Prior to World War II, Cabanillas served aboard various cruisers, destroyers and submarines. Among the battleships that he served in were the USS Florida
USS Florida (BB-30)
-External links:***...
, USS Colorado
USS Colorado (BB-45)
USS Colorado , the third ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 38th state, was the lead ship of her class of battleships. Her keel was laid down on 29 May 1919 by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation of Camden, New Jersey. She was launched on 22 March 1921 sponsored by Mrs. Max...
and USS Oklahoma
USS Oklahoma (BB-37)
USS Oklahoma , the only ship of the United States Navy to ever be named for the 46th state, was a World War I-era battleship and the second of two ships in her class; her sister ship was . She, along with her sister, were the first two U.S...
.
From June 1927 to January 1928 he received instruction in submarines at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut
New London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
, after which he served in the USS S-3
USS S-3 (SS-107)
USS S-3 was the prototype of the "Government-type" S-class submarines of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 29 August 1917 by the Portsmouth Navy Yard. She was launched on 21 December 1918 sponsored by Mrs. William L. Hill, and commissioned on 30 January 1919 with Commander John W...
until May 1930. Cabanillas earned a Master of Science in June 1932 from Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
.
World War II
USS Texas (BB-35)
USS Texas , the second ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the U.S. state of Texas, is a . The ship was launched on 18 May 1912 and commissioned on 12 March 1914....
. The USS Texas was the oldest remaining dreadnought
Dreadnought
The dreadnought was the predominant type of 20th-century battleship. The first of the kind, the Royal Navy's had such an impact when launched in 1906 that similar battleships built after her were referred to as "dreadnoughts", and earlier battleships became known as pre-dreadnoughts...
, and was one of only two remaining ships to have served in both world wars at that time. On November 8, the Texas participated in the invasion of North Africa
North African campaign
During the Second World War, the North African Campaign took place in North Africa from 10 June 1940 to 13 May 1943. It included campaigns fought in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts and in Morocco and Algeria and Tunisia .The campaign was fought between the Allies and Axis powers, many of whom had...
. by destroying an ammunition dump near Port Lyautey. Cabanillas also participated in the invasion of Normandy on (D-day
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
). On June 6, 1944, his ship's secondary battery went to work on another target, Cherbourg, France, on the western end of "Omaha" beach
Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II...
. Cabanillas was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," for "meritorious achievement and outstanding performance of duty as Executive Officer of the USS Texas during the Invasion of Normandy and the bombardment of Cherbourg. His Bronze medal citation reads as follows:
"Taking over ship control in the conning tower after an enemy shell had destroyed the bridge, the primary control station, Captain Cabanillas rendered invaluable service to his commanding officer in the performance of the assigned mission..."
In 1945, Cabanillas became the first Commanding officer of the USS Grundy
USS Grundy (APA-111)
USS Grundy was a Windsor-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II. She was commissioned late in the war and initially assigned to transport duties; consequently she did not take part in any combat operations....
, which was commissioned on January 3, 1945. The Grundy helped in the evacuation of Americans from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
during the Chinese Civil War
Chinese Civil War
The Chinese Civil War was a civil war fought between the Kuomintang , the governing party of the Republic of China, and the Communist Party of China , for the control of China which eventually led to China's division into two Chinas, Republic of China and People's Republic of...
. Under his command, the Grundy earned the following citations: China Service Medal
China Service Medal
The China Service Medal was a military medal awarded to U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel. The medal was instituted on August 23, 1940 and featured a yellow ribbon with narrow red edge stripes...
(extended), American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was...
, World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
and the Navy Occupation Service Medal
Navy Occupation Service Medal
The Navy Occupation Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy which was issued to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel who participated in the European and Asian occupation forces following the close of the World War II. The decoration was also bestowed to personnel who...
(with Asia clasp). In December 1945, he was reassigned to Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk
Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, is a base of the United States Navy, supporting naval forces in the United States Fleet Forces Command, those operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean...
located in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
, as Assistant Chief of Staff (Discipline), 5th Naval District.
Korean War
In July 1949, Cabanillas was transferred to Naval Station Orange, located in Orange, TexasOrange, Texas
Orange is a city in Orange County, Texas, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 18,643. It is the county seat of Orange County, and is the easternmost city in Texas. Located on the Sabine River at the border with Louisiana, it is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur...
where he served as Commanding Officer.
On July 1950, he became Commander of the USS Dixie
USS Dixie (AD-14)
The second USS Dixie was a destroyer tender in the United States Navy.Dixie was launched on 27 May 1939 by New York Shipbuilding Corporation in Camden, New Jersey, sponsored by Mrs. A. C. Pickens; and commissioned on 25 April 1940, with Lieutenant Commander G. H...
, a destroyer tender in the Pacific. During the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
he provided firing cover to the U.S. Marines
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
involved in the Inchon invasion
Battle of Inchon
The Battle of Inchon was an amphibious invasion and battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations . The operation involved some 75,000 troops and 261 naval vessels, and led to the recapture of the South Korean capital Seoul two...
. In 1951, Cabanillas was reassigned to the staff of the United States Pacific Fleet
United States Pacific Fleet
The United States Pacific Fleet is a Pacific Ocean theater-level component command of the United States Navy that provides naval resources under the operational control of the United States Pacific Command. Its home port is at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii. It is commanded by Admiral Patrick M...
in Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. In 1953, he was transferred to the fifth Naval District in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
as Chief of Staff.
Later years
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
. In 1956, Cabanillas made use of the benefits of the G.I. Bill and studied law at the University of Richmond School of Law
University of Richmond School of Law
The University of Richmond School of Law , a school of the University of Richmond, is located in Richmond, Virginia...
. He passed the Virginia Bar
Bar examination
A bar examination is an examination conducted at regular intervals to determine whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in a given jurisdiction.-Brazil:...
at the end of his second year. He served as law librarian at the University for 6 years and then joined a Richmond law firm.
Cabanillas died on September 15, 1979 in the Veterans Hospital in Richmond. He was the first Puerto Rican to make rear admiral in the US Navy, albeit a tombstone promotion. He was cremated
Cremation
Cremation is the process of reducing bodies to basic chemical compounds such as gasses and bone fragments. This is accomplished through high-temperature burning, vaporization and oxidation....
and buried at sea
Burial at sea
Burial at sea describes the procedure of disposing of human remains in the ocean, normally from a ship or boat. It is regularly performed by navies, but also can be done by private citizens in many countries.-By religion:...
with full military honors
Military funeral
A military funeral is a specially orchestrated funeral given by a country's military for a soldier, sailor, marine or airman who died in battle, a veteran, or other prominent military figures or heads of state. A military funeral may feature guards of honor, the firing of volley shots as a salute,...
.
Awards and recognitions
Among Rear Admiral José M. Cabanillas' decorations and medals were the following:| Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... with Combat "V" for Valor |
American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal |
| Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... |
World War II Victory Medal | Navy Occupation Service Medal Navy Occupation Service Medal The Navy Occupation Service Medal is a decoration of the United States Navy which was issued to Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel who participated in the European and Asian occupation forces following the close of the World War II. The decoration was also bestowed to personnel who... (with Asia clasp) |
China Service Medal China Service Medal The China Service Medal was a military medal awarded to U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel. The medal was instituted on August 23, 1940 and featured a yellow ribbon with narrow red edge stripes... |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... |
United Nations Service Medal United Nations Service Medal The United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950... |
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
Badges:
Submarine Officers Warfare insigniaSubmarine Warfare insigniaThe Submarine Warfare Insignia is a uniform breast pin worn by enlisted men and officers of the United States Navy to indicate that they are qualified in submarines. The Submarine Warfare Insignia is considered one of the Navy's three major warfare pins along with the Surface Warfare Badge and...
See also
- Hispanic Admirals in the United States NavyHispanic Admirals in the United States NavyHispanic Admirals in the United States Navy can trace their tradition of naval military service to the Hispanic sailors, who have served in the Navy during every war and conflict since the American Revolution. Prior to the Civil War, the highest rank reached by a Hispanic-American in the U.S. Navy...
- List of famous Puerto Ricans
- Puerto Ricans in World War IIPuerto Ricans in World War IIPuerto Ricans and people of Puerto Rican descent have participated as members of the United States Armed Forces in every conflict in which the United States has been involved since World War I. In World War II, Puerto Rican members of the U.S. armed forces guarded U.S...
- List of Puerto Rican military personnel
- Hispanics in the United States Naval AcademyHispanics in the United States Naval AcademyHispanics in the United States Naval Academy account for the largest minority group in the institution. According to the Academy, the Class of 2009 includes 271 minority midshipmen. Out of these 271 midshipmen, 115 are of Hispanic heritage...
- Hispanics in the United States NavyHispanics in the United States NavyHispanics in the United States Navy can trace their tradition of naval military service to men such as Lieutenant Jorge Farragut Mesquida, who served in the American Revolution. Hispanics, such as Seaman Philip Bazaar and Seaman John Ortega, have distinguished themselves in combat and have been...
External links
son of José C. Cabanillas and Asunción Grau de Cabanillas. He received his early education in private schools, and attended Marion (Alabama) Institute and the Army and Navy Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. Entering the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, on appointment at large on 16 June 1920, he participated in Class football and track. He graduated and was commissioned as an Ensign on 4 June 1924, and through subsequent promotions, attained the rank of Rear Admiral, 1955.
After graduation from the Naval Academy in 1924, he had three year's duty at sea, serving successively in the battleships USS Florida, USS Colorado, USS Oklahoma, and the repair ship of Train Squadron Base Fleet USS Vestal. From June 1927 to January 1928 he received instruction in submarines at the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, after which he served in the USS S-3 until May 1930. He then returned to Annapolis for instruction in communication engineering at the Postgraduate School, and continuing the course at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, received the degree of Master of Science in June 1932.
A year's duty in the cruiser Northampton preceded duty from June 1933 to April 1935 as Squadron Radio and Sound Officer of Submarine Squadron 3, with additional duty at the Submarine Base, Colo Solo, Canal Zone. He then became District Communication Officer, Tenth Naval District, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was also in command of the Naval Radio Stations at San Juan and Cayey, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Detached in July 1937, he had sea duty for two years first as Executive Officer of the destroyer USS Taylor and later aboard the cruiser USS Raleigh.
He was next ordered to Balboa, Canal Zone, and served from September 1939 to June 1942 as Radio Material Officer. He joined the USS Texas in July 1942, and served as her Navigator until December 1943, and as Executive Officer for a year thereafter. During his period of service aboard the Texas engaged in routine operations in the Atlantic until October 1942; participated in the Invasion of North Africa in November of that year; was engaged in escort of North African convoys in 1943; and took part in the Invasions of Normandy and Southern France in June and August 1944, respectfully.