Neal Anderson Scott

Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Scott was appointed assistant paymaster with the rank of ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve, April 8, 1942. After instruction at the Navy Supply Corps School, Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, Boston, Massachusetts, he was ordered to the 12th Naval District for further assignment. On October 10, 1942, he reported for duty in USS Smith (DD-378), then operating in the Solomons.

On the 26th, as the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands raged, USS Smith, assigned to screen USS Enterprise (CV-6), was crashed by a torpedo plane causing the entire forward topside to erupt in flames. Scott, mortally wounded, "... exhorted the gun crews to sustain heavy and accurate fire against the enemy ..." in defense of Enterprise. Although he died of his wounds before the day was over, "... his gallant fighting spirit and remarkable courage served as an inspiration to the crew of the ship in helping to render ineffective the enemy attacks..."

In recognition of his contribution, Ensign Scott was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.

USS Neal A. Scott (DE-769) was named in his honor. The ship was laid down June 1, 1943, by the Tampa Shipbuilding Company, Tampa, Florida; launched June 4, 1944; co-sponsored by Mrs. Leigh Scott and Miss Margaret Scott, mother and sister, respectively, of Ens. Scott; and commissioned July 31, 1944 with Lt. P. D. Holden in command.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

• Neal A. Scott