Earl Kenneth Olsen

Earl Kenneth Olsen
Born 2 July 1903
Brooklyn, New York
Died 1 December 1942 (aged 39)
near Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Rank Lieutenant Commander
Unit USS Pensacola
Battles/wars

World War II

Awards Navy Cross

Earl Kenneth Olsen, born 2 July 1903 in Brooklyn, New York, was a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1926. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for bravery in action at Guadalcanal in 1942.

Military career

After varied duty afloat and ashore, he was ordered to USS Pensacola (CA-24) on 9 February 1939. Lieutenant Commander Olsen was serving as engineering officer during the night Battle of Tassafaronga, off Guadalcanal, 30 November-1 December 1942. When a torpedo hit flooded the engine room, he coolly and efficiently directed evacuation of survivors. Attempting to carry another officer to safety, he himself succumbed to smoke and toxic gases. Lieutenant Commander Olsen was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions.

Namesake

USS Earl K. Olsen (DE-765) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 13 February 1944 by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Tampa, Florida; sponsored by Mrs. H. E. Olsen, mother of Lieutenant Commander Olsen; and commissioned 10 April 1944.

References

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


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