Frederick V. McNair Jr.
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Frederick Vallette McNair Jr. (March 13, 1882 – September 2, 1962) was an officer of the
United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare, maritime military branch, service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest Displacement (ship), displacement, at 4.5 millio ...
and a recipient of the
Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces, military decoration and is awarded to recognize American United States Army, soldiers, United States Navy, sailors, Un ...
for his actions at the beginning of the U.S. occupation of Veracruz, Mexico. McNair was a graduate of the
United States Naval Academy The United States Naval Academy (USNA, Navy, or Annapolis) is a United States Service academies, federal service academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It was established on 10 October 1845 during the tenure of George Bancroft as United States Secre ...
(Class of 1903), the son of Rear Admiral Frederick V. McNair (Class of 1857), the grandfather of tennis star Frederick V. McNair, IV and poet-novelist Lailee McNair.


Biography

In July 1914, McNair assumed command of the destroyer . In September 1915, he joined the staff at the Naval Academy. McNair was promoted to lieutenant commander on August 28, 1916. During
World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
, McNair served as commanding officer of the destroyer . He received a temporary promotion to commander effective January 1, 1918. McNair returned to the United States to prepare for the commissioning of the destroyer before serving as her first commander. He was later awarded the
Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the United States Naval Service's second-highest military decoration awarded for sailors and marines who distinguish themselves for extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is equivalent to the Army ...
for his wartime service. After the war, McNair supervised the commissioning of the destroyer ''Dickerson'' and briefly served as her first commanding officer from September to October 1919. He was then given command of Destroyer Division 9, Atlantic Fleet. His promotion to commander was made permanent on September 21, 1920. McNair retired from active duty on June 30, 1931. McNair was recalled to active duty during
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
and promoted to captain on February 23, 1942. McNair lived in
Annapolis, Maryland Annapolis ( ) is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland. It is the county seat of Anne Arundel County and its only incorporated city. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, south of Baltimore and about east ...
after retirement. He died at the United States Naval Academy Hospital in Annapolis on September 2, 1962. McNair is buried in the
United States Naval Academy Cemetery The United States Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium is a cemetery at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. History In 1868 the Naval Academy purchased a 67-acre piece of land called Strawberry Hill as part of their effort ...
and his grave can be located in lot 406.


Medal of Honor citation

Lieutenant McNair was awarded the Medal of Honor on December 4, 1915.


Citation

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, April 22, 1914. Was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city.


Navy Cross citation

Commander McNair was awarded the Navy Cross on September 23, 1919.


Citation

For distinguished service in the line of his profession as commanding officer of the U. S. S. ''Winslow'' and the U. S. S. ''Woolsey'', engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested with enemy submarines and mines, in escorting and protecting vitally important convoys of troops and supplies through these waters, and in offensive and defensive action, vigorously and unremittingly prosecuted, against all forms of enemy naval activity.


See also

*List of Medal of Honor recipients (Veracruz)


References


External links


Hall of Valor
1882 births 1962 deaths United States Naval Academy alumni United States Navy Medal of Honor recipients Battle of Veracruz (1914) recipients of the Medal of Honor United States Naval Academy faculty United States Navy personnel of World War I Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) United States Navy personnel of World War II United States Navy captains Military personnel from Annapolis, Maryland Burials at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery {{US-navy-bio-stub