Draper Kauffman

Draper Laurence Kauffman
Born(1911-08-04)4 August 1911
San Diego, California, U.S.
Died18 August 1979(1979-08-18) (aged 68)
Buried
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
United States
Service / branchRoyal Naval Volunteer Reserve (1940–41)
United States Navy (1941–73)
Years of service1941–1973
RankRear Admiral
Commands9th Naval District
U.S. Naval Forces in the Philippines
United States Naval Academy
Destroyer Flotilla Three
USS Helena (CA-75)
USS Bexar (APA-237)
Destroyer Division 122
USS Gearing (DD-710)
Underwater Demolition Team 5
Naval Combat Demolition Unit
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsNavy Cross (2)
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit[1]
RelationsVice Admiral James L. Kauffman (father)

Rear Admiral Draper Laurence Kauffman (4 August 1911 – 18 August 1979)[2] was an American underwater demolition expert, who served during the 1960s as 44th Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. During World War II, he organized the first U.S. Navy Combat Demolition Units from which the SEALs and Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) would evolve. His wartime service also included participation in the invasions of Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.[3]

  1. ^ "Military Times Hall of Valor : Awards for Draper Laurence Kauffman". militarytimes.com. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  2. ^ "Draper Kauffman : USNA Cemetery" (PDF). usna.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
  3. ^ Kauffman, Elizabeth (2004). America's First Frogman: The Draper Kauffman Story. U.S. Naval Institute Press.