Hugh Spencer Daniel

Hugh Spencer Daniel (December 26, 1923 – October 1942) was a United States Marine Corps Reservist who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. The destroyer escort USS Daniel (DE-335) was named after him.

Daniel was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on June 9, 1941. Joining USS Hornet (CV-8) on 19 October 1941, he remained on board until his death 2 days after the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942. His rank was Private First Class.

Picture of Hugh Spencer Daniel

Action off the Santa Cruz Islands
The Hornet was attacked by Japanese bombers and torpedo planes on October 26 at 10:12. Daniel was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding bomb while at his station at an anti-aircraft battery. Despite his wounds, he replaced a wounded gun captain for over an hour. When his injury was discovered, he was twice taken from his gun to a dressing station, but insisted on returning each time. Finally he was transferred to a destroyer, and died of his wounds in his sleep two days later.

Navy Cross
Hugh Daniel was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his courageous perseverance in refusing to leave his gunnery station.

Legacy
In honor of his bravery, the USS Daniel (DE-335) was named after him.