Lyndon Spencer
Encyclopedia
Lyndon Spencer was a Vice Admiral
in the United States Coast Guard
.
., and died in Connecticut on April 12th, 1981. He married Lucile Littlefield in 1920 and had two children.
in 1918. His early assignments included serving aboard the USCGC Tampa
.
From 1922 to 1925, he served on the staff at the Coast Guard Academy. Later, he became Executive Officer of the USS Cummings (DD-44)
. He remained there until he took over command of the USS Monaghan (DD-32)
in 1926. Later, he would command the USS Abel P. Upshur (DD-193)
and USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35)
.
During World War II
, Spencer commanded the USS Bayfield (APA-33)
. While in command, the Bayfield served as the flagship of the Naval Task Force during Operation Overlord
. For his services during this time, Spencer was awarded the Legion of Merit
and the Croix de guerre
of France
.
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
in the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
.
Biography
Spencer was born on January 26, 1898 in Hornell, New YorkHornell, New York
Hornell is a city in Steuben County, New York, United States. The population was 9,019 at the 2000 census. The city is named after the Hornell family, early settlers. Its current population has not yet been released by the new census....
., and died in Connecticut on April 12th, 1981. He married Lucile Littlefield in 1920 and had two children.
Career
Spencer graduated from the United States Coast Guard AcademyUnited States Coast Guard Academy
Founded in 1876, the United States Coast Guard Academy is the military academy of the United States Coast Guard. Located in New London, Connecticut, it is the smallest of the five federal service academies...
in 1918. His early assignments included serving aboard the USCGC Tampa
USCGC Tampa (1912)
USCGC Tampa was an Ungala-class cutter that served in the US Revenue Cutter Service, the US Coast Guard, and the US Navy. It was sunk with the highest US combat casualty loss in World War I .-US Revenue Cutter Service:...
.
From 1922 to 1925, he served on the staff at the Coast Guard Academy. Later, he became Executive Officer of the USS Cummings (DD-44)
USS Cummings (DD-44)
The first USS Cummings was a used by the United States Navy during World War I. She was later transferred to the United States Coast Guard, where she was designated CG-3. She was named for Lieutenant Commander Andrew Boyd Cummings....
. He remained there until he took over command of the USS Monaghan (DD-32)
USS Monaghan (DD-32)
The first USS Monaghan was a modified in the United States Navy during World War I and later in the United States Coast Guard, designated '. She was named for Ensign John R. Monaghan....
in 1926. Later, he would command the USS Abel P. Upshur (DD-193)
USS Abel P. Upshur (DD-193)
USS Abel P. Upshur was a Clemson-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy until traded to Britain at the beginning of World War II where she served as HMS Clare.-As USS Abel P...
and USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35)
USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35)
USCGC Ingham , one of only two preserved s. Originally Samuel D. Ingham, she was the fourth cutter to be named for Treasury Secretary Samuel D. Ingham...
.
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...
, Spencer commanded the USS Bayfield (APA-33)
USS Bayfield (APA-33)
USS Bayfield was a built for the United States Navy during World War II, the lead ship in her class. Named for Bayfield County, Wisconsin, she was the only U.S...
. While in command, the Bayfield served as the flagship of the Naval Task Force during Operation Overlord
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...
. For his services during this time, Spencer was awarded the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
and the Croix de guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
of France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.