Signed Presentation Photograph From Admiral Arleigh Burke To Admiral Hopwood SOLD

Description

Signed Presentation Photograph From Admiral Arleigh Burke To Admiral Hopwood.

Admiral Arleigh Burke (1901-1996),  was a distinguished naval officer in WWII and Korea, and was considered a most colorful character known for many interesting and thought provoking quotes.

Burke served on many battleships and destroyers in his early career, and when WWII began, he spent nearly all his service in the Pacific Theater, attached to Destroyer Divisions.  He issued orders to all of the ships under his command, “Destroyers to attack on enemy contact WITHOUT ORDERS from the task force commander.” In 1944, he was promoted to COS under Admiral Mitscher, and would later be promoted to the rank of Commodore.  Near the end of the war, Burke, commanded carriers USS Bunker Hill, and USS Enterprise, both being hit by Japanese Kamikazes.

He went back to commanding destroyer units during the Korean War, and in both Eisenhower and Kennedy presidencies, acted as Chief of Naval Operations.

One of the most interesting quotes from Burke, must have been the one received by Admiral Halsey during the Battle of Cape St. George. The USS Spence had suffered boiler issues, and was limited to 31 knots, slowing down Burke’s destroyer squadron.  Burke had mistakenly sailed his unit into a Japanese mine field.  Admiral Halsey radioed to ask what he was doing in a Japanese Mine field to which Burke responded, “31 knot.”  That became his nickname, “31 knot Burke.”

This presentation made to Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood reads, “To my good friend – Hoppy-/ Who has done more for this Navy – and the Country – than even most of his hard working excellent compatriots. May you have a happy cruise.   Arleigh Burke.”  Burke must have made this gift at the time of Admiral Hopwood’s retirement, having just left command of the Pacific Fleet.

8×10 color image with overall measurements 10.5 x 12.5

Fine condition.

From the Admiral Hopwood Archive.