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Photo # NH 56041:  Lt(JG) Grant G. Andreasen, USNR

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Lieutenant Grant G. Andreasen, USNR (1916-1997)

Grant Gibbs Andreasen was born on 1 April 1916 at Grace, Idaho. He graduated from Utah State Agricultural College in June 1938 with a degree in Physical Education and was thereafter employed as an educator. In March 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Chief Specialist, Athletics. Commissioned in the rank of Ensign in October of that year, he received training was a Scout Boat Officer in the landings at Gila, Sicily, and Salerno, Italy, during July and September 1943. Assigned to amphibious duties in England in October 1943, he was promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) at the beginning of 1944.

During the 6 June 1944 landings on "Omaha" Beach, Lt(JG) Andreasen was again serving as a Scout Boat Officer, tasked with close support of dual drive (DD) tanks and landing craft during the initial assault on the heavily defended position. His courageous conduct on that occasion was recognized with the award of the Navy Cross, and the other four men in his boat received the Silver Star Medal. Returning to the U.S. in September 1944, he served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in May 1945. Following World War II, Andreasen resumed his career as a teacher. He remained in the Naval Reserve until the mid-1950s. Grant G. Andreasen died at Camarillo, Ventura County, California, on 6 May 1997.

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Photo #: NH 56041

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Grant G. Andreasen, USNR


Who was awarded the Navy Cross for "conspicuous bravery" as a Scout Boat Officer off "Omaha" Beach during the invasion of Normandy, 6 June 1944.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 50KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 



Navy Cross citation of Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Grant G. Andreasen (Taken from a Navy Department press release dated 12 January 1945, held by the Operational Archives Branch, Naval Historical Center):

"For conspicuous bravery in the performance of outstanding services as Scout Boat Officer during the amphibous assault on the coast of France, June 6, 1944.

"Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Andreasen embarked in one of the first craft to approach the strongly defendes Normandy coast and succeeded in the highly important mission of locating the beaches to be assaulted. Despite heavy surf and harassing enemy fire, he went in close to the beach to act as a guide for the approaching wave of DD tanks. While he was in this advanced position he fired the rockets from his craft at target objectives, moved in closer to the beach, and rendered close fire support for the infantry assault waves.

"In addition to his assigned duties, without regard for his own personal safety and under heavy enemy fire he rescued wounded personnel from burning landing craft and carried them to safety.

"The outstanding devotion to duty and courage under fire displayed by Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Andreasen were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."


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Page made 18 January 2004
Text corrected 8 October 2004