Background
Daniel was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Daniel was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The destroyer escort United States Ship Daniel (Delaware-335) was named after him. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on June 9, 1941. Joining United States Ship Hornet (CV-8) on 19 October 1941, he remained on board until shortly before his death 2 days after the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942.
His rank was Private First Class.
Picture of Hugh Spencer Daniel The Hornet was attacked by Japanese bombers and torpedo planes on October 26 at 10:12. Daniel was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding bomb while at his station at an anti-aircraft battery.
Despite his wounds, he replaced a wounded gun captain for over an hour. When his injury was discovered, he was twice taken from his gun to a dressing station, but insisted on returning each time.
Finally he was transferred to a destroyer, and died of his wounds in his sleep two days later.
Hugh Daniel was posthumously awarded the for his courageous perseverance in refusing to leave his gunnery station. In honor of his bravery, the United States Ship Daniel (Delaware-335) was named after him.