Oscar C. Badger II

As an ensign in USS Utah (BB-31), in 1914 he participated in the U.S. occupation of Veracruz. Several thousand American troops landed, in an effort to force out General Victoriano Huerta, who had seized power in Mexico. Fifty-five men were awarded the Medal of Honor for this action, including seven leaders of the battleship's 'bluejacket battalion'. Badger was cited, "For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and April 22, 1914. Ens. Badger was in both days' fighting at the head of his company, and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage."

Badger served with the destroyer force in European waters during World War I. He commanded the destroyer USS Worden (DD-16)from August to October 1918. Badger received the Navy Cross for distinguished service as her commanding officer.

Following the war, he served as gunnery officer on various ships. He was then assigned to duty with the Bureau of Ordnance.

In 1941, Captain Badger took command of USS North Carolina (BB-55) and in 1942, after promotion to rear admiral, was Commander Destroyers Atlantic Fleet and subsequently Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Logistics Plans.[3]

In February 1944, he became Commander Service Squadrons South Pacific and in October Commander of Battleship Division 7. Badger was the first Navy officer to step ashore in Japan at the end of World War II.

Admiral Badger received four awards of the Legion of Merit (two with the Combat "V" device) for service during World War II.

Admiral Badger received the Medal of Honor for actions in the Veracruz Occupation December 4, 1915 as an Ensign. The medal was Accredited to: District of Columbia. G.O. No.: 177.

Citation:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Ens. Badger was in both days' fighting at the head of his company, and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.[7]

Navy Cross awarded for actions during World War I

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Oscar Charles Badger (NSN: 0-7626), United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. WORDEN, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of patrolling the waters infested by enemy submarines and mines, 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 during the World War.