Gordon W. Underwood
| Gordon Waite Underwood | |
|---|---|
 
|
|
| Born | June 3, 1910 New York |
| Died | January 15, 1978 |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1932–1962 |
| Rank |
 Captain
|
| Commands held | USS Spadefish (SS-411) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Navy Cross (3) |
Captain Gordon Waite Underwood (June 3, 1910 – January 15, 1978) was a United States Navy Captain who was awarded the Navy Cross for his achievements during World War II. He is the namesake of the ship USS Underwood (FFG-36).
Gordon Underwood was born in New York on June 3, 1910, and at an early age moved with his family to Portland, Oregon. In 1932, he was appointed to the United States Naval Academy. At the Naval Academy he proved to be an outstanding student and superb athlete. He earned letters and starred in football and track. He was awarded the coveted Naval Academy Sword for athletic excellence.
Following his graduation from the Academy, Underwood served in USS Oklahoma (BB-37). This tour was followed by training at the US Submarine School in New London, Connecticut. After his graduation he served in the Submarine School, S-21, Mississippi, and Vega. In 1941, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned a Masters Degree in Marine Engineering.
Returning to sea duty, he was assigned to the Staff of Commander Submarine Squadron Ten as Squadron Engineer supporting submarines on war patrol. In January 1944, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of USS Spadefish (SS-411). On this ship during three war patrols he was credited with destruction of seventy-six thousand tons of enemy shipping, including the aircraft carrier Shinyo. For each of his war patrols he was awarded a Navy Cross and in recognition of the great successes of the first two patrols Spadefish was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.
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