Admiral H.G. Hopwood’s Orders, Photos, Etc. Related To USS Cleveland WWII – SOLD

Description

Admiral H.G. Hopwood’s Orders, Photos, Etc. Related To USS Cleveland WWII.

This grouping is a newly acquired lot from the Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood archive. In June of 1945, then Captain Hopwood was in command of the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Cleveland sailed from Subic Bay on June 7, to cover the landings at Brunei Bay, Borneo, and provide fire support for those landings.  USS Cleveland’s VIP passenger at that time was Gen. Douglas MacArthur who observed from Cleveland’s bridge on the morning of July 1st, the last major amphibious landing in WWII. Shortly after, General MacArthur and his staff went ashore to conduct an inspection tour of the landing area, and then returned to the Cleveland. Getting underway once again for Manila, MacArthur left the ship on the July 3rd, 1945.

This lot all in a manila folder, reading, ” Douglas MacArthur / Cleveland / Balikpapan – 1945″ contains an 8×10 black and white glossy photograph stamped on the reverse, “Official Photograph / U.S.S. CLEVELAND.” It shows General Douglas MacArthur saluting Captain Hopwood (and ship) while coming aboard the cruiser while an 8 man honor guard salutes as well.

In one of the small envelopes are three  4×5 black and white photos, one reproduced on board the ship for crew souvenirs. The first one shows the General shaking hands with Captain Hopwood, while the general’s staff come up the gangway. (original 8×10 was signed by MacArthur). The next on shows MacArthur saluting as he departs the Cleveland; it was signed on the 8×10, “To the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Cleveland. A gallant ship, a gallant Captain & Officers, a gallant crew.  Douglas MacArthur.  Borneo, 1945.”  last in this lot of 3 is shows the General on the bridge, watching the bombardment at Borneo.

The next lot of 4x5s are also in a manila envelope that reads, “Capt Hopwood Cleveland / opening Subig Bay Comm. off.mess 3/31/45.”  This one image shows seated officers seating under a open hut. Seven other 4x5s show Captain Hopwood making a presentation and awarding an officer wearing pilot wings, and a sailor, while the crew look on.  There is some duplication here.

In a small cardboard folder, are 13 war dated orders that Captain Hopwood received in the days leading up to his leaving Cleveland.  I have photographed all of them for you.  The folder is simply marked “ORDERS.”

In an autographed letter by Hopwood to his navigating officer aboard the USS Cleveland, dated October 9, 1944, he writes the “Quartermaster notebook for 0-04 watch “observed moonrise at 0026.” When O.T. C. changed his zigzag plan yesterday afternoon to 0040/ 9th I asked especially if our estimate of 0118 had been checked and was informed in the affirmative.  On later questioning to insure accuracy and as a check you informed me again that it had been checked and that 0118 was the correct time of moonrise.  This error could have been disastrous to the entire ship and its crew if we had used your calculations for purpose of bombardment or other vital mission where accuracy is of the essence.  My question is: “Did you or did you not check moonrise calculations for 9 October, 1944 when the reported time 0118 was quested twice by me?”   A “yes” or “no” answer is desired with return of this memo.

Resp’y, H.G. Hopwood.”

The final item is an empty envelope addressed to Capt Hopwood, USS Cleveland, postmarked from Shamokin, PA, the captain’s home town.

A nice lot of period items from the USS Cleveland and Admiral Hopwood’s archive.

 

Admiral Hopwood was born November 23, 1898 in Mt. Carmel, PA. He attended public schools in Shamokin, Pa and made it his home of record.  He was a U.S. Naval Academy graduate Class of 1919.  While a midshipman, he served on active duty during WWI with the Atlantic Fleet, later graduating and commissioned Ensign.

From 1919 to 1925 Admiral Hopwood served on the USS America, USS Florida, and USS Hopkins, the served in the Department of Ordnance and Gunnery at Annapolis. Returning to sea duty in 1927, he was assigned to the Asiatic Station on the USS Hart until March of 1930, then transferred to USS Ramapo. Returning to the States in 1930, Hopwood was assigned as Aide to Commandant of Fourth Naval District, Philadelphia, until August of 1932.

His next duty was in connection with fitting out the USS Indianapolis, and served on the Cruiser as communication officer from Dec. of 1932 until June 1934. Hopwood was then detached from the USS Indianapolis to become the aide and flag lieutenant on the staff of Rear Admiral Arthur J. Hepburn, commander, Destroyers, Battle Force, Flagship USS Detroit.  He remained in that position until assuming the command of the Scouting Force, Pacific Fleet, hoisting his flag on the USS Indianapolis.

In 1936, Admiral Hopwood was assigned to the Planning Division of the Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. (later re-designated Bureau of Naval Personnel). Returning to sea duty in 1938 he assumed command of the USS Mahan, serving there until June 1939.  He was transferred to the USS Melville as executive officer until mid 1940.

Returning to Washington, he was once again with the Bureau of Naval Personnel (as of 1942).  During this assignment he served in the Records Section and in the Central Division, later becoming Director of the latter. In Oct. 1942 he was assigned additional duty as a member of the Joint Staff Planners.

1944 found Hopwood aboard the Light Cruiser USS Cleveland, commanding that ship from August 1944 to July 3, 1945.  His citation for Legion of Merit reads:

Gold Star in lieu of the second Legion of Merit.   “For exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the USS Cleveland during operations against Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, from August 14, 1944, to July 3, 1945.  Employing his ship with maximum effectiveness, Captain Hopwood conducted devastating bombardments of hostile shore installations in support of our landings on enemy-held territory, maintaining a high standard of fighting efficiency throughout a prolonged period of intensive combat.  A brilliant leader, Captain Hopwood assured the precise execution of each important assignment and, by his alert and cool command of the CLEVELAND, contributed immeasurably to the success of many Allied campaigns in a vital theater of war.  His expert seamanship, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.”

Hopwood’s first mission on Cleveland was to cover the invasion of the southern Palau Islands which included Pelieu, Anguar, and Ngesbus Islands.  American troops encountered Japanese Imperial Marines, many in the six foot range and hurled some of the hardest resistance since the taking of Tarawa.  The big guns on the Cleveland had become well worn, exceeding their normal life, and along with other needed repairs, she headed for the west coast and went into drydock  at San Pedro, California on October 21, 1944.

Admiral Hopwood reported on August 13, 1945 for duty as Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington. In January 1946 he was ordered to duty as Assistant Chief of Naval Operation (Personnel) Navy Department, and assigned additional duty as a member of the Navy Board Formulating Post-War Policy on Promotion and Retirement of Officers.

On July 30, 1946, Rear Admiral Hopwood was nominated by the Senate of the US “to be Director of Budget and Reports in the Department of the Navy, with the rank of Rear Admiral, for a term of three years.” On August 9, 1949, he was reassigned to that post for an additional three-year period.

In 1952 to 1953 Admiral Hopwood took command of Cruiser Division Three and Cruiser Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet, and latter was assigned as chief of staff and aide to the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet from 1953-1955.  Hopwood received his third star becoming Vice Admiral in 1955 as Commander of the First Fleet; and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (logistics) from 1957 to 1958.

On 1 February, 1958, he was awarded his fourth star and became Commander In Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT).  He would hold that command until his retirement from active duty on August 31, 1960, and awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.  Admiral Hopwood served in the Navy for 44 years.  He past away at the age of 66, in September of 1966.