Joseph K. Taussig Jr.
Joseph Knefler Taussig Jr | |
---|---|
Born | Newport, Rhode Island, US | May 28, 1920
Died | December 14, 1999 Annapolis, Maryland, US | (aged 79)
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1941-1954 |
Rank | Captain |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Edward David Taussig (grandfather) |
Joseph Knefler Taussig Jr. (May 28, 1920 – December 14, 1999) was a United States Navy officer during and after World War II, and a Navy civilian official in the 1980s. He was the son of Vice Admiral
Early life and education
Taussig was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on May 28, 1920.[2] After attending high school in Washington D.C., Taussig entered the United States Naval Academy and graduated on February 7, 1941. He then was assigned to USS Nevada (BB-36).[3]
Pearl Harbor attack
Taussig was the officer of the deck of USS Nevada and senior officer in charge of her anti-aircraft batteries during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.[4] Taussig was severely wounded but refused to leave his station until the crew forcibly carried him away. He ended up having his leg amputated, then returned to duty three days later.[5] He received the Navy Cross for his actions that day.[6][3][7]
When he retired from active duty in 1954, at age 34, he was the youngest captain in the Navy.[6]
Civilian service
In 1981 he returned to Navy service as a civilian.
Personal life
Taussig married Betty Bostwick Carney, daughter of Rear Admiral
Namesake
The Executive Suite at the United States Naval Institute headquarters in Annapolis is named in his honor.
References
- Annapolis Capital. p. D1 – via Newspaper Archive.
- ^ Social Security death index, U.S. Social Security Administration
- ^ a b Neal Thompson (December 7, 1998). "Navy veteran proudly bears scars of Pearl Survivor: Joe Taussig's story is of a man, a ship and what happened to both Dec. 7, 1941". The Baltimore Sun.
- U.S. Naval Institute, December 6, 2011
- ^ Cutler & Baker 2004.
- ^ a b c d "Capt. Joseph Taussig Dies". The Washington Post. December 17, 1999.
- ^ a b "Capt. Joseph Taussig Jr., 79, awarded the Navy Cross". The Baltimore Sun. December 18, 1999.
- ^ Douglas Lamborne (December 6, 1999). "Aboard Nevada, Annapolis man made sacrifice at Pearl Harbor". The Baltimore Sun.
- ^ Simon 1989.
- ^ "Milestones", Time, December 13, 1943
- ^ "Mid Receives Gift in Honor of Captain Joseph K. Taussig Jr". United States Navy. May 24, 2002. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
- ^ "Betty Carney Taussig". Baltimore Sun. May 3, 2015. Archived from the original on September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 6, 2018. Alt URL[permanent dead link]
Sources
- Simon, Harvey (January 1, 1989), A man and his mission: Joseph Taussig and Navy safety, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government
- Cutler, Thomas J.; Baker, A.D. III (October 2004), "Lest We Forget: Joseph K. Taussig Jr.; USS Langley (CV-27)", Proceedings, 130 (10), U.S. Naval Institute
Further reading
- "Taussig Jr, Joseph Knefler, CAPT". Togetherweserved.com. 1941.