Max Clifford Stormes
Encyclopedia
Max Clifford Stormes was a World War II
American
naval commander.
, Stormes was appointed midshipman on 15 June 1920 and graduated on 15 May 1924. He was assigned to USS Nevada (BB-36)
and subsequently served in USS Chewink (AM-39)
and USS S-33 (SS-138)
.
Stormes served with Submarine Division 20 in 1929 and 1930 and then attended a post-graduate course at the United States Naval Academy
in 1931 and 1932. His next tour of sea duty was as commanding officer of USS Talbot (DD-114)
followed by a tour in USS Chicago (CA-29)
as damage control officer.
Stormes became commanding officer of USS Preston (DD-379)
on 31 October 1941 and was promoted to commander on 20 August 1942.
Comdr. Stormes was killed in action during the night of 14 and 15 November 1942, when Preston was sunk in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Comdr. Stormes was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
as "his coolness and courage in the face of grave danger, inspired his men to supreme efforts of determination and endurance to carry on the attack."
was named in honor of him.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
naval commander.
Biography
Born in Big Flats, New YorkBig Flats, New York
Big Flats, New York may refer to:* Big Flats , New York in Chemung County* Big Flats , New York, a Census-Designated Place within the Town of Big Flats...
, Stormes was appointed midshipman on 15 June 1920 and graduated on 15 May 1924. He was assigned to USS Nevada (BB-36)
USS Nevada (BB-36)
USS Nevada , the second United States Navy ship to be named after the 36th state, was the lead ship of the two Nevada-class battleships; her sister ship was...
and subsequently served in USS Chewink (AM-39)
USS Chewink (AM-39)
The first USS Chewink was a in the United States Navy. She was later converted to a submarine rescue ship.Chewink was launched 21 December 1918 by Todd Shipyard Corp., New York City; sponsored by Miss M. Sperrin; and commissioned 9 April 1919, Lieutenant J. Williams in command...
and USS S-33 (SS-138)
USS S-33 (SS-138)
USS S-33 was a first-group S-class submarine of the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 14 June 1918 by the Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California. She was launched on 5 December 1918 sponsored by Mrs. Thomas M. Searles, and commissioned on 18 April 1922 with Lieutenant George P...
.
Stormes served with Submarine Division 20 in 1929 and 1930 and then attended a post-graduate course at the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in 1931 and 1932. His next tour of sea duty was as commanding officer of USS Talbot (DD-114)
USS Talbot (DD-114)
USS Talbot was a Wickes-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I and later designated, APD-7 in the World War II...
followed by a tour in USS Chicago (CA-29)
USS Chicago (CA-29)
USS Chicago was a Northampton-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy that served in the Pacific Theater in the early years of World War II. She was the second US Navy ship to be named after the city of Chicago, Illinois...
as damage control officer.
Stormes became commanding officer of USS Preston (DD-379)
USS Preston (DD-379)
USS Preston was a in the United States Navy during World War II. She was the fifth Navy ship named for Lieutenant Samuel W. Preston ....
on 31 October 1941 and was promoted to commander on 20 August 1942.
Comdr. Stormes was killed in action during the night of 14 and 15 November 1942, when Preston was sunk in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Comdr. Stormes was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
as "his coolness and courage in the face of grave danger, inspired his men to supreme efforts of determination and endurance to carry on the attack."
Namesake
The US Navy ship USS Stormes (DD-780)USS Stormes (DD-780)
USS Stormes , an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, is the only ship of the United States Navy to be named for Commander Max Clifford Stormes, who was killed in action during the night of 14 and 15 November 1942, when Preston was sunk in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Comdr...
was named in honor of him.