Arthur LeRoy Bristol, Jr. | |
---|---|
Born |
Charleston, South Carolina |
July 15, 1886
Died | April 27, 1942 Argentia, Newfoundland |
(aged 55)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1906-1942 |
Rank | Vice Admiral |
Commands held |
USS Ranger (CV-4) Support Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet |
Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
Awards |
Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal |
Arthur LeRoy Bristol, Jr. (July 15, 1886 – April 27, 1942), was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy, who held important commands during World War I and World War II, and was an early aircraft carrier commander.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he entered the United States Naval Academy on September 23, 1902 and graduated with the Class of 1906. After the prescribed two years of sea duty, which he served in the pre-dreadnought USS Illinois (Battleship No. 7), he received his commission as ensign in 1908. Transferred to Mayflower in 1909, he remained in that Presidential yacht until ordered to Berlin, Germany, in January 1912 for a year and one-half as a naval attaché. In June 1913, he returned home to command the new destroyer Cummings (Destroyer No. 44) upon her completion at Bath Iron Works. A year later, he received the concurrent command of Terry (Destroyer No. 25) and the 2nd Division, Reserve Torpedo Flotilla, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He then briefly commanded Jarvis (Destroyer No. 38).
Late in 1915, Bristol was assigned the duties of aide and torpedo officer on the staff of Commander, Torpedo Flotilla, Atlantic Fleet and, in the winter of 1916, he became aide and flag secretary to the Commander, Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet. In the summer of 1917, soon after the United States entered World War I, he became aide and flag secretary for Commander, Cruiser Force, Atlantic Fleet. After serving in that capacity into the following winter, Bristol was awarded the Navy Cross for his service as flag secretary and acting chief of staff to Commander, Cruiser and Transport Force. While holding that post, he worked closely with Army authorities in the handling of troopship movements.