| Norvell G. Ward | |
|---|---|
|
File:1437784053829 Ward, Novell G.jpg Ward in naval uniform | |
| Birth name | Norvell Gardiner Ward |
| Nickname | Bub[1] |
| Born | December 30, 1912 |
| Died | July 19, 2005 (aged 92) |
| Place of birth | Indian Head, Maryland, U.S. |
| Place of death | Atlantic Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1931–1973 |
| Rank |
 Rear admiral |
| Commands held |
USS Guardfish • USS Yarnall • Submarine Squadron 14 • Naval Advisory Group, MACV • Naval Forces Vietnam • Caribbean Sea Frontier • 10th Naval District |
| Battles/wars |
• World War II • Korean War • Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Navy Cross • Silver Star (3 awards) • Navy Distinguished Service Medal • Legion of Merit (5 awards) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Kearney Ward |
Norvell Gardiner Ward (30 December 1912 – 19 July 2005) was an American naval officer and a recipient of the Navy Cross. He was a submariner for most of his naval career, but was also known for his planning and war gaming abilities. As a rear admiral was instrumental in planning and overseeing many naval operations during the Vietnam War, notably Operation Market Time.
Early life and education[]
Ward was born in Indian Head, Maryland, the son of a civil service supervisor at the Naval Powder Factory. He received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1931. During his senior year at the academy he was recognized as an all-American lacrosse player.[2]
Career[]
World War II[]
During World War II, Ward was initially assigned to submarine USS Seadragon where he went on five patrols. Ward served as executive officer of submarine USS Gato before assuming command of submarine USS Guardfish in May 1943. While on patrol from 14 June to 31 July, Ward was able to sink eight Japanese ships in six "well planned and executed" torpedo attacks totaling more than 38,000 tons, which earned him a Navy Cross. After reassignment, he served as assistant operations officer on the staff of the commander of Pacific submarine forces for the remainder of the war.[2]
Korean War[]
During the Korean War he asked for and received assignment as the commanding officer of USS Yarnall. This assignment lasted from 28 February 1951 to 18 June 1952 and was unusual for a submariner, but he wanted operational experience as a surface ship commanding officer.[1][2]
Post-Korean War Assignments[]
Ward was assigned as the commander of a submarine squadron that had the responsibility of testing the surface-fired Regulus missile. In 1958, he entered the Polaris missile program and later was assigned as the commander of Submarine Squadron 14, the first group of Polaris submarines deployed overseas.[2]
Vietnam War[]
On 31 July 1965 Ward was assigned as head of the Naval Advisory Group, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV).[2][3] As head of the Naval Advisory Group he played a key role in the planning and organization of Operation Market Time, the program to stop arms and supplies from being smuggled into South Vietnamese coastal waters by North Vietnam.[2] On 1 April 1966 the Naval Advisory Group was disestablished and Ward became Commander, Naval Forces Vietnam.[4] He was succeeded by Rear Admiral Kenneth Veth.
Post-Vietnam[]
Ward retired from the Navy in 1973 while serving as Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier and Commandant, 10th Naval District, based in Puerto Rico. While assigned to the 10th Naval District, he was had to mediate confrontations between superiors at The Pentagon and residents of the island of Culebra while it was used as a Navy practice target range.[2]
Personal life[]
Ward was married to Elizabeth Kearney in 1937. He turned down opportunities for promotion to vice admiral in order to be closer to his wife who suffered from bouts with cancer. They had four children; Commander Norvell G. Ward, Jr.,USN (ret), William H. Ward, Elizabeth Ward Schafer, and Captain Alexander K. Ward, USMC. Alexander died of wounds received in Vietnam in 1968[2] at a retirement community in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
Notes[]
- Citations
- References used
- "USS Yarnall (DD-541)". NavSource Naval History. http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/541.htm. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
- Bernstein, Adam (2 August 2005). "Navy Rear Admiral Norvell G. Ward Dies". Washington, D.C.: The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/01/AR2005080101461.html. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- Cutler, Thomas J. (2000). Brown Water, Black Berets: Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland. ISBN 978-1-55750-196-7.
- Larzelere, Alex (1997). The Coast Guard at War, Vietnam, 1965–1975. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland. ISBN 978-1-55750-529-3.
The original article can be found at Norvell G. Ward and the edit history here.