James Hirshfield

Vice Admiral James Albert Hirshfield (July 30, 1902 – May 16, 1993) was the sixth Assistant Commandant (now called Vice Commandant) of the United States Coast Guard. During World War II he was the commanding officer of the USCGC Campbell (WPG-32) during a battle with German U-boats, earning the Navy Cross.

Early life James Albert Hirshfield was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on 30 July 1902, the son of Eli Albert Hirshfield and Katherine Devine Hirshfield. He received his early education in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Main Avenue High School. During 1921 and 1922 he attended the University of Texas.

Early career He was appointed a cadet in the U. S. Coast Guard Academy in July 1922, graduating on 17 October 1924 as an Ensign. Out of the academy, he served nearly nine years of sea duty before being assigned to a shore station. With the Destroyer Force of New London, he served on the Cummings, Henley, Wilkes, Downes, Fanning, and Cassin. From 1930 to 1931 he served on the cutter Tallapoosa and as executive officer on the Destroyer George E. Badger. In 1932, upon her commissioning, he assumed command of Hermes on Atlantic Patrol Duty. He went to the academy in 1934 as an instructor. While there until 1937, he began attending law classes during summer breaks. Upon transfer to Headquarters at Washington, D.C., he attended George Washington University Law School. He received a Bachelor of Law Degree in 1939 and was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in 1940. LCDR Hirshfield served as commanding officer of the USCGC Onondaga (WPG-79) at Astoria, Oregon, the Maritime Training Ship City of Chattanooga, and then the USCGC Campbell (WPG-32).