Julius Curtis Townsend

Julius Curtis Townsend (February 22, 1881 – December 28, 1939) was born in Missouri. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1902.

He received the Medal of Honor for actions at the United States occupation of Veracruz, 1914. He was later awarded the Navy Cross and also served in World War I. He remained in the United States Navy for the rest of his life, ultimately serving as a rear admiral from May 1936 until his death in December 1939.

Biography Born in Athens, Missouri, Townsend was raised in nearby Keokuk, Iowa. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy from Iowa on September 8, 1898 and was graduated on May 2, 1902.

By the time of his Medal of Honor action in 1914, Townsend was a lieutenant serving aboard the battleship . He was promoted to lieutenant commander effective November 26, 1915 and reassigned to the battleship .

During World War I, Townsend commanded Naval Air Station Whiddy Island, Ireland and Naval Air Station Queenstown, Ireland.

From 1919 to 1921, Townsend served as executive officer at the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, Rhode Island. He then served as executive officer of the battleship . From 1922 to 1923, Townsend was commanding officer of the replenishment oiler Trinity. He then attended the Naval War College.

From 1924 to 1926, Townsend was assigned to the office of naval operations in Washington, D.C. From February 1926 to April 1928, Townsend commanded the protected cruiser . He then served as captain of the yard at the Philadelphia Navy Yard Townsend then returned to the office of naval operations as director of the Ships Movement Division.

Rear Admiral Townsend died at the Brooklyn Naval Hospital on December 28, 1939. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on January 2, 1940.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank: Lieutenant, Organization: U.S. Navy, Born: 22 February 1881, Athens, Mo., Accredited to: Missouri, Date of issue: 12/04/1915

Citation:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914. Lt. Townsend was eminent and conspicuous in command of his battalion. He exhibited courage and skill in leading his men through the action of the 22d and in the final occupation of the city.

Navy Cross citation Rank: Captain, Organization: U.S. Navy, Month of issue: 11/1927

Citation:

For distinguished service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Galveston in Nicaraguan waters in the fall of 1926 and the spring of 1927, Nicaragua then being in a state of insurrection. Largely through his good judgment, tact, patience and ability, good order was maintained and disarmament accomplished in districts ashore assigned to his command without friction and without bloodshed. Captain Townsend’s actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.