Quick Facts
Biography
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.