Cato Glover was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1916. He served some of his Midshipman’s time on the USS MISSISSIPPI, operating with the Atlantic Fleet at the end of World War I. After the war, Glover was commissioned an Ensign, subsequently being promoted to the rank of Admiral at his retirement on September 1, 1957.
In June of 1922, Glover reported to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, for flight training, being designated a Naval Aviator in December 1922 and reported to the USS WRIGHT.
Between the Wars, Glover served various assignments with Torpedo Squadrons. In 1941, Glover joined the USS SARATOGA as Executive Officer. The SARATOGA joined the task force assembled for the invasion of Guadalcanal and provided air bombardment and protection for the landing forces. In July 1943, he was made Assistant War Plans Officer to Admiral Nimtz, Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet. During this service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for “…meritorious service during operations against enemy Japanese forces, from July 1943 to July 1944…”One year later he was given command of the USS ENTERPRISE and led the “Big E” attacks on the Bonin Islands. His ship also took part in numerous attacks on the Japanese in the Philippines, Formosa, Okinawa, and Leyte. Planes for the ENTERPRISE contributed significantly to the sinking of all four of the Japanese carriers in the Leyte area at the time.
For his services while commanding the ENTERPRISE from 29th July to 24th of December 1944, (then) Captain Glover was awarded the Navy Cross, the Silver Star Medal, and received a ribbon for , the Navy’s unit Citation awarded the ENTERPRISE.
After war, he became the first Chief of the newly authorized Strategic Plans Group of the Joint Staff. In 1951 he reported to the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet and later became the first Chief of Staff to the newly authorized NATO Command.
On September 1, 1957 he was transferred to the Retired List of the U.S. Navy in the rank of Vice Admiral and was advanced to the rank of Admiral on the basis of combat awards.
In addition to the Navy Cross, Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Gold Star and Combat “V”, and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Admiral Glover has the French-Legion of Honor with the rank of Commander; the Victory Medal with Atlantic Clasp; the Army of Occupation of Germany Medal; The American Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp; the Atlantic-Pacific Campaign Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
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