Dwight Agnew

Dwight Merle Agnew (January 1, 1902 – October 4, 1969) was a United States Navy officer from Fredericktown, Ohio. A destroyer commander during World , he was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor and later received the Navy Cross for his tactical acumen during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Post-war, he led Destroyer Squadron 10 and later worked at the National Security Agency. In 1956, he was moved to the Retired List and made a "tombstone admiral".

Agnew married Thelma Marie Biegler, the daughter of United States Army officer and Medal of Honor recipient George W. Biegler.

Early life and education Dwight Agnew was born in Fredericktown, Ohio, on January 1, 1902, to Murray Agnew and Emma Louise Agnew (née Follin). After graduating from Fredericktown High School he briefly attended Denison University before entering the United States Naval Academy. During this time, Agnew was serving as commanding officer of USS Trever, a destroyer minesweeper.

The following week, on December 14, Agnew led the Trever in the rescue of the crew and passengers of the torpedoed Norwegian freighter MS Høegh Merchant. The Høegh Merchant had been sunk by a Japanese submarine while attempting to navigate to a safe port following the outbreak of hostilities.

World War II In August 1942 Agnew was promoted to Captain. Following the outbreak of World , Thelma Agnew and her son Dwight Agnew Jr, were evacuated to San Diego to stay with Dwight Agnew's mother, who was then living in the city.

Agnew's brother, Henry, was also an alumnus of the U.S. Naval Academy; he was an instructor at the academy and also held several shipboard assignments during World before being given command of in the post-war period. His sisters were Dorothy and Elizabeth, both of whom married naval officers.