Admiral Richmond K. Turner
U.S. Navy (USN) Amphibious Force Commander

Background
Richmond Kelly Turner was born May 27, 1885 to parents Enoch and Laura Frances (née Kelly) Turner in Portland, Oregon. Nicknamed "Kelly" for his middle name. He attended the United States Naval Academy (USNA) class of 1908. He served the 2 years at sea before being commissioned Ensign in June 1910. He Married Harriet "Hattie" Sterling on August 3, 1910.

During 1913, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Turner briefly held command of the destroyer USS Stewart. After receiving instruction in ordnance engineering and serving on board the gunboat Marietta, between 1916–1919 assigned to the battleships USS Pennsylvania, USS Michigan and USS Mississippi. From 1919 to 1922, Lieutenant Commander Turner was an ordnance officer at the Naval Gun Factory in Washington, D.C. He then was gunnery officer of the battleship USS California, fleet gunnery officer on the Staff of Commander Scouting Fleet and became the commanding officer of the destroyer USS Mervine (DD-322).

In 1925, promoted to the rank of Commander and served with the Bureau of Ordnance at the Navy Department. In 1927, he received flight training at Pensacola, Florida, was designated as a naval aviator, and a year later became commanding officer of the seaplane tender USS Jason and commander, Aircraft Squadrons, Asiatic Fleet. He had further aviation-related assignments into the 1930s and was executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga during 1933–1934. Afterwards, Captain Turner attended the Naval War College became head of the Strategy faculty 1935-1938.

Afterwards, became commander of heavy cruiser USS Astoria (CA-34) and during 1939 made a diplomatic mission to Japan transporting the body of deceased Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Hiroshi Saito who died of tuberculosis in February 1939. For his role on this goodwill mission, Turner received Order of the Sacred Treasure, 3rd Class by the Emperor of Japan postwar. During 1940, Turner became Director of War Plans in Washington, D.C. and in January 1941 promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

Wartime History
In December 1941, Turner was appointed assistant chief of staff to the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet under Admiral Ernest King and served until June 1942. He was then sent to the Pacific to take command of the Amphibious Force, South Pacific Force (ComPhibForSoPac) Task Force 62 (TF 62) and planned and executed Operation Watchtower the U.S. invasion of Tulagi and Guadalcanal. During the voyage aboard his flagship, USS McCawley (APA-4) to the Solomon Islands leaders Rear Admiral Richmond K. Turner and Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift were photographed on the flag bridge.

During February 1943 became command of Task Force 61 (TF 61) for the U.S. landing in the Russell Islands.

During June 1943 became the commander of Task Force 31 (TF 31) for the U.S. landings in the central Solomons. Next, commanded Task Force 51 (TF 51) for the invasion of Tarawa. After the battle as command of V Amphibious Corps (VAC) he directed "Seabee" Lt. Crist to select and train personnel to remove coral obstructions and beach defenses in future amphibious landings this cadre from the 7th Naval Construction Regiment at Waipio on Oahu and was the formation of Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) in the Pacific.

Over the next three years, he held a variety of senior Amphibious Force commands as a rear admiral and vice admiral. He helped plan and execute amphibious operations against enemy positions in the south, central and western Pacific. On May 24, 1945 he was promoted to the rank of Admiral. He would have commanded the amphibious component of the invasion of Japan.

On September 2, 1945 Turner was aboard USS Missouri (BB-63) for the Japanese surrender ceremony and was photographed standing in a row of senior officers.

Postwar
Postwar, Admiral Turner served on the Navy Department's General Board and was U.S. Naval Representative on the United Nations Military Staff Committee. He retired from active duty in July 1947. Turner passed away February 12, 1961 at age 75 in Monterey, California.

Awards
Turner earned the Navy Cross, Navy Distinguished Service Medal with three gold stars. Companion of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom) and Order of the Sacred Treasure, 3rd Class (Japan) bestowed postwar for his prewar 1939 goodwill trip to Japan.

Memorials
Turner is buried at in Golden Gate National Cemetery at section C, grave 7.

Guided missile frigate (later cruiser) USS Richmond K. Turner (DLG-20, CG-20) was named in honor of Admiral. Turner.

References
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Admiral Richmond K. Turner, USN (1885-1961)
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Richmond Kelly Turner: Planning the Pacific War
The Amphibians Came to Conquer: The Story of Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner
FindAGrave - Richmond Kelly Turner (photo, grave photo)

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