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Claude Charles Bloch (July 12, 1878 – October 4, 1967) was a United States Navy admiral who served as Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR) from 1937 to 1938; and Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS) from 1938 to 1940.
Early years
Claude C. Bloch was born on July 12, 1878 in Woodbury, Kentucky to a Jewish family. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1895 from the Third Congressional District in Kentucky. While he was still a Cadet, Bloch served aboard battleship USS Iowa during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. Bloch assisted in rescue of Spanish sailors from the burning enemy ships a was subsequently awarded with Specially Meritorious Service Medal. He graduated from the Naval Academy on January 28, 1899 with the rank of passed midshipman.
He commanded USS Plattsburg (ID-1645) during World War I, and the USS California (BB-44) from 1927 to 1929.
Navy Cross citation
The official U.S. Navy citation for Bloch's Navy Cross reads:
World War II
He served as the Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet from 1938 to 6 January 1940, as was customary holding the temporary grade of Admiral. Following this assignment, he reverted to his permanent grade, Rear Admiral, and commanded the Fourteenth Naval District at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. He later served on the General Board of the Navy from 1942 to 1945.
He retired as a full admiral in 1945 and died in Washington, D.C. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Bloch was the highest ranking Jewish officer in the armed forces until well after the Second World War.
Decorations
Admiral Claude C. Bloch´s ribbon bar:
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| 1st Row | Navy Cross | Legion of Merit | |||||||
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| 2nd Row | Specially Meritorious Service Medal | Spanish Campaign Medal | Philippine Campaign Medal | ||||||
| 3rd Row | China Relief Expedition Medal | Cuban Pacification Medal | World War I Victory Medal with Transport Clasp | ||||||
| 4th Row | American Defense Service Medal | American Campaign Medal | World War II Victory Medal | ||||||