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Captain Leon S.
Kintberger, 1932-1962
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Served aboard battleship New York, cruiser Minneapolis, and destroyers Evans, Gridley, Argonne and Bernadou. During World War II he had command of destroyers Charles Lawrence and Coolbaugh before taking command of destroyer Hoel. Awarded the Navy Cross as Commanding Officer of destroyer Hoel in action in the Battle off Samar in World War II against vastly superior Japanese surface ships on 25 October 1944. He engaged Japanese battleship Kongo, opening gunfire attacks at 14,000 yards, launching torpedoes at 9,000 yards. With three fifths of her guns knocked out, he engaged the enemy heavy cruiser column with his remaining guns and torpedoes at 6,000 yards. Caught between the cruiser column and the battleship column, she continued to fight for over one hour and five minutes, expending over 500 rounds of five-inch ammunition. She was hit over 40 times by enemy 5,8 and 16 inch shells, armor piercing that went right through, punching holes below the waterline that eventually sunk Hoel. He subsequently was given command of destroyer Zellars and participated in the Okinawa campaign where his ship destroyed seven Japanese suicide plans and he earned the Silver Star. He subsequently had command of Destroyer Division 22, transport Hoble and destroyer leader Norfolk. His final assignment was on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. |
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