Claude V. Ricketts

Claude Vernon Ricketts (February 23, 1906 - July 6, 1964) was a four star Admiral in the United States Navy, who served as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 1961 to 1964.

Biography
Originally enlisted in the Navy, Ricketts attended the United States Naval Academy and became an officer upon his graduation in 1929. As a lieutenant, he was the gunnery officer on board the USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the attack on Pearl Harbor. In addition to his duties with the anti-aircraft battery, he helped attend the dying captain, assisted in counter-flooding the ship after it heeled over from six torpedoes and assisted in fire fighting. He was awarded with Legion of Merit and Navy Commendation Medal for his service in World War II.

Ricketts commanded USS Saint Paul (CA-73) during 1955. In July 1952 he became Head, Amphibious Warfare Branch in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations under command of Admiral William Fechteler. He later became commander of the Second Fleet and then assumed duties as the vice chief of naval operations in September 1961. He succeeded admiral James Sargent Russell in this capacity.

Admiral Claude Vernon Ricketts died of massive heart attack on July 6, 1964, while still in Office. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his service as Vice Chief of Naval Operations. The USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG-5) was named for him, as is Ricketts Hall at the Naval Academy.

Claude's son Rear Admiral Myron Ricketts, USN Ret. designed and engineered many ships.

Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Admiral Claude V. Ricketts: