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{{Short description|19th Naval Governor of Guam}}
{{for|the Medal of Honor recipient|William S. Cronan}}
{{for|the Medal of Honor recipient|William S. Cronan}}
{{Infobox Governor
{{Infobox officeholder
|honorific-prefix =
|honorific-prefix =
|name = William Pigott Cronan
|name = William Pigott Cronan
|birth_date = March 6, 1879
|birth_date = March 6, 1879
|birth_place = [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], Connecticut
|birth_place = [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], Connecticut, US
|death_date = {{Death date and age|1929|03|18|1879|03|06}}
|death_date = {{Death date and age|1929|03|18|1879|03|06}}
|death_place = [[San Diego]], California
|death_place = [[San Diego]], California, US
|honorific-suffix =
|honorific-suffix =
|image = William Cronan as a Cadet.png
|image = William Cronan as a Cadet.png
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|predecessor = [[William John Maxwell]]
|predecessor = [[William John Maxwell]]
|successor = [[Edward Simpson (governor)]]
|successor = [[Edward Simpson (governor)]]
|nationality = [[United States]]
|nationality = American
|alma_mater = [[United States Naval Academy]]
|alma_mater = [[United States Naval Academy]]
<!--Military service-->
<!--Military service-->
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|rank = [[File:US-O6 insignia.svg|20px]] [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Captain]]
|rank = [[File:US-O6 insignia.svg|20px]] [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Captain]]
|unit =
|unit =
|commands = [[USS Monaghan (DD-32)|USS ''Monaghan'']]<br>[[USS Jouett (DD-41)|USS ''Jouett'']]<br>[[U.S.S. Komingin der Nederlanden|U.S.S. ''Komingin der Nederlanden'']]<br>[[United States Fleet Forces Command|Atlantic Fleet]] Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet
|commands = {{USS|Monaghan|DD-32|6}}<br>{{USS|Jouett|DD-41|6}}<br>{{USS|Komingin der Nederlanden}}<br>[[United States Fleet Forces Command|Atlantic Fleet]] Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet
|wars = [[Spanish–American War]]<br>[[World War I]]
|wars = [[Spanish–American War]]<br>[[World War I]]
|battles = [[Battle of Santiago de Cuba]]
|battles = [[Battle of Santiago de Cuba]]
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}}
}}


'''William Pigott Cronan''' (March 6, 1879 &ndash; March 18, 1929) was a United States Navy [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Captain]] who served as the 19th [[Naval Governor of Guam]]. During his tenure in the Navy, he became decorated, commanded a number of ships, and came to be known as "the most popular man in the Navy". He participated in the [[Battle of Santiago de Cuba]] during the [[Spanish–American War]]. In 1903, he gained some attention for his participation in the rescue of a [[Venezuela]]n fisherman off the coast of [[La Guaira]] under bad conditions. Both the Venezuelan government and navy command praised him for the way he carried out the operation. He became a national news story in 1907 while serving aboard the [[USS Connecticut (BB-18)|USS ''Connecticut'']] during a training operation. When a gun nearly exploded because of leaking powder; he shoved his hand into the gun's [[breechblock]], preventing the explosion and losing two of his fingers in the process.
'''William Pigott Cronan''' (March 6, 1879 &ndash; March 18, 1929) was a United States Navy [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|captain]] who served as the 19th [[Naval Governor of Guam]]. During his tenure in the Navy, he became decorated, commanded a number of ships, and came to be known as "the most popular man in the Navy". He participated in the [[Battle of Santiago de Cuba]] during the [[Spanish–American War]]. In 1903, he gained some attention for his participation in the rescue of a [[Venezuela]]n fisherman off the coast of [[La Guaira]] under bad conditions. Both the Venezuelan government and navy command praised him for the way he carried out the operation. He became a national news story in 1907 while serving aboard {{USS|Connecticut|BB-18|6}} during a training operation. When a gun nearly exploded because of leaking powder; he shoved his hand into the gun's [[breechblock]], preventing the explosion and losing two of his fingers in the process.


He served as the first commanding officer of the [[USS Monaghan (DD-32)|USS ''Monaghan'']] in 1911. He would later command the [[United States Fleet Forces Command|Atlantic Fleet]] Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet from the flagship [[USS Jouett (DD-41)|USS ''Jouett'']]. During [[World War I]], he first commanded the [[USS Supply (1873)|USS ''Supply'']] and captured German [[Corvette Captain]] [[Adalbert Zuckschwerdt]] off the coast of [[Guam]]. He also commanded the [[U.S.S. Komingin der Nederlanden|U.S.S. ''Komingin der Nederlanden'']] during the war, for which he received the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]]. The house he owned with wife Nellie Grant Cronan, granddaughter of President [[Ulysses S. Grant]], is now an historical site in [[San Diego]]. He is buried at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].
He served as the first commanding officer of {{USS|Monaghan|DD-32|6}} in 1911. He would later command the [[United States Fleet Forces Command|Atlantic Fleet]] Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet from the [[flagship]] {{USS|Jouett|DD-41|6}}. During [[World War I]], he first commanded {{USS|Supply|1873|6}} and captured German [[Corvette Captain]] [[Adalbert Zuckschwerdt]] off the coast of [[Guam]]. He also commanded {{USS|Komingin der Nederlanden}} during the war, for which he received the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]]. The house he owned with wife Nellie Grant Cronan, granddaughter of President [[Ulysses S. Grant]], is now an historical site in [[San Diego]]. He is buried at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].


==Life==
==Life==
Cronan was born on March 6, 1879 to Patrick J. Cronan<!--and?--> in [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], Connecticut.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Review of the Year|journal=The Journal of the American-Irish Historical Society|year=1907|volume=7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-nkTAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA113&dq=%22william+pigott+cronan%22&hl=en&ei=99_fTcPaFpSitgeDov2TCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Cronan&f=false|accessdate=10 June 2011|page=114|publisher=[[American Irish Historical Society]]|location=[[Boston]]}}</ref> His uncle, [[James P. Pigott]], served in the [[United States House of Representatives]] from [[Connecticut]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cronan's Heroism Prevented Explosion|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v_tIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=jwINAAAAIBAJ&pg=2730,2831592&dq=william-pigott-cronan&hl=en|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=The Meriden Daily Journal|date=21 October 1907|location=[[Meriden, Connecticut|Meriden]], Connecticut|page=3}}</ref> Cronan was an officer in the [[New York Yacht Club]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Blair to be Commodore|url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F20A1FF7345D16738DDDAC0994D9415B808DF1D3|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 November 2010|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLO2rZ37|archivedate=10 June 2010|location=New York City}}</ref> He married Nellie Grant, daughter of [[Jesse Root Grant]] and granddaughter of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Ulysses S. Grant]], in 1913.<ref>{{cite news|title=Miss Nell Grant to Wed|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i2lXAAAAIBAJ&sjid=bvADAAAAIBAJ&pg=4444,1436141&dq=william-piggott-cronan&hl=en|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Register-Guard]]|date=18 April 1913|agency=Guard Publishing Company|location=[[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], Oregon|page=1}}</ref> They had two daughters: Nellie Grant Cronan and Elizabeth Grant Cronan. Nellie was born in Tokyo and married [[United States Army]] [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps|Captain]] Franklin Gibney Rothwell in 1942.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cronan–Rothwell|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=9 November 1941|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|location=New York City|page=D2}}</ref> From 1923 until his death in 1929 Cronan lived in [[San Diego]], California, in the William and Nell Cronan House, now considered an historical resource by the city.<ref>{{cite web|last=Saunders|first=Kelly|title=City of San Diego Memorandum: ITEM #9 – 2950 and 2950A Sixth Avenue|url=http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/reports/item07memomtng091120.pdf|publisher=City of San Diego Historical Resources Board|accessdate=10 June 2011|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLFZTPsb|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=[[San Diego]]|page=3|date=6 November 2009}}</ref> During his time in the Navy, he was known as "the most popular man in the Navy".<ref name=time>{{cite news|title=Milestones: Apr. 8, 1929|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,732274,00.html|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=8 April 1929|agency=[[Time Inc.]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLGkcAO3|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=New York City}}</ref> He is buried at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].
Cronan was born on March 6, 1879, to Patrick J. Cronan and Ellen Theresa (Pigott) Cronan in [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], Connecticut.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Review of the Year|journal=The Journal of the American-Irish Historical Society|year=1907|volume=7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-nkTAAAAYAAJ&q=Cronan&pg=PA113|access-date=10 June 2011|page=114|publisher=[[American Irish Historical Society]]|location=[[Boston]]}}</ref> His uncle, [[James P. Pigott]], served in the [[United States House of Representatives]] from [[Connecticut]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cronan's Heroism Prevented Explosion|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v_tIAAAAIBAJ&pg=2730,2831592&dq=william-pigott-cronan&hl=en|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=The Meriden Daily Journal|date=21 October 1907|location=[[Meriden, Connecticut|Meriden]], Connecticut|page=3}}</ref> Another uncle, [[James T. Mullen]], was the first [[Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus|Supreme Knight]] of the [[Knights of Columbus|Order of the Knights of Columbus]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Kauffman|first=Christopher J.|year=1982|title=Faith and Fraternalism: The History of the Knights of Columbus, 1882–1982|publisher=Harper and Row|isbn=978-0-06-014940-6|page=[https://archive.org/details/faithfraternalis00kauf/page/1 1]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/faithfraternalis00kauf/page/1}}</ref>
Cronan was an officer in the [[New York Yacht Club]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Blair to be Commodore|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1910/11/15/105099951.pdf|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 November 2010|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111113250/http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F20A1FF7345D16738DDDAC0994D9415B808DF1D3|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live|location=New York City}}</ref> He married Nellie Grant, daughter of [[Jesse Root Grant]] and granddaughter of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Ulysses S. Grant]], in 1913.<ref>{{cite news|title=Miss Nell Grant to Wed|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=i2lXAAAAIBAJ&pg=4444,1436141&dq=william-piggott-cronan&hl=en|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The Register-Guard]]|date=18 April 1913|agency=Guard Publishing Company|location=[[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], Oregon|page=1}}</ref> They had two daughters: Nellie Grant Cronan and Elizabeth Grant Cronan. Nellie was born in Tokyo and married [[United States Army]] [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps|Captain]] Franklin Gibney Rothwell in 1942.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cronan–Rothwell|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=9 November 1941|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|location=New York City|page=D2}}</ref> From 1923 until his death in 1929 Cronan lived in [[San Diego]], California, in the William and Nell Cronan House, now considered an historical resource by the city.<ref>{{cite web|last=Saunders|first=Kelly|title=City of San Diego Memorandum: ITEM #9 – 2950 and 2950A Sixth Avenue|url=http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/reports/item07memomtng091120.pdf|publisher=City of San Diego Historical Resources Board|access-date=10 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506102636/http://www.sandiego.gov/planning/programs/historical/pdf/reports/item07memomtng091120.pdf|archive-date=6 May 2011|url-status=live|location=[[San Diego]]|page=3|date=6 November 2009}}</ref> During his time in the Navy, he was known as "the most popular man in the Navy".<ref name=time>{{cite news|title=Milestones: Apr. 8, 1929|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,732274,00.html|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=8 April 1929|agency=[[Time Inc.]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105172828/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,732274,00.html|archive-date=5 January 2012|url-status=dead|location=New York City}}</ref> He is buried at [[Arlington National Cemetery]].


==Naval career==
==Naval career==
Cronan graduated from the [[United States Naval Academy]] in 1898.<ref name=cross/> While still a [[naval cadet]] he served aboard the [[USS Marblehead (C-11)|USS ''Marblehead'']].<ref>{{cite book|title=Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and Reserve Officers on Active Duty|year=1900|publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I-jc3TVTHiYC&pg=PA149&dq=%22william+pigott+cronan%22&hl=en&ei=wt_fTdLpKZGztwe01ZGJCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=%22william%20pigott%20cronan%22&f=false|accessdate=10 June 2011|page=149}}</ref> Upon graduation, he participated in the [[Battle of Santiago de Cuba]] of the [[Spanish–American War]] aboard the [[USS Brooklyn (CA-3)|USS ''Brooklyn'']].<ref>{{cite book|last=Maclay|first=Edgar Stanton|title=A History of the United States Navy from 1775 to 1902|year=1901|publisher=[[D. Appleton & Company]]|location=New York City|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OPRBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA372&dq=%22william+pigott+cronan%22&hl=en&ei=wt_fTdLpKZGztwe01ZGJCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDoQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22william%20pigott%20cronan%22&f=false|accessdate=10 June 2011|page=372}}</ref> He also served aboard the [[USS Iowa (BB-4)|USS ''Iowa'']] as an [[Ensign (rank)#United States|ensign]].<ref>{{cite book|title=List and Station of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Navy of the United States, and of the Marine Corps, on the Active List, and Officers on the Retired List on Employed on Active Duty|year=1898|publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6h10tW1Z6IkC&pg=RA2-PA20&dq=%22william+pigott+cronan%22&hl=en&ei=99_fTcPaFpSitgeDov2TCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFMQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=%22william%20pigott%20cronan%22&f=false|accessdate=10 June 2011|page=20}}</ref> He subsequently served aboard the [[USS Don Juan de Austria|USS ''Don Juan de Austria'']], leaving the ship in 1901.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army and Navy Orders|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1901-09-01/ed-1/seq-3/ocr/|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[New York Tribune]]|date=1 September 1901|agency=[[Horace Greeley]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLDBSjLx|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=New York City|page=3}}</ref> In 1903, while serving aboard the [[USS Marietta (PG-15)|USS ''Marietta'']], Cronan and eight enlisted men rescued a [[Venezuela]]n fisherman off the coast of [[La Guaira]] under dangerous conditions, for which he received praise from the Venezuelan government and his superior officers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ensign and Jackies Rescue Venezuelan: Words of Praise for Act of Great Heroism|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026749/1903-01-04/ed-1/seq-3.pdf|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[Washington Times-Herald|Washington Times]]|date=4 January 1903|agency=[[Hearst Corporation]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLEJkJKv|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=Washington, D.C.|page=3}}</ref> He also served with the [[Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Officer to be Tried for Giving Advice|url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F60E11F8345512738DDDAC0994D1405B898CF1D3|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 September 1909|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLN6cwR9|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=New York City}}</ref>
Cronan graduated from the [[United States Naval Academy]] in 1898.<ref name=cross/> While still a [[naval cadet]] he served aboard {{USS|Marblehead|C-11|6}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and Reserve Officers on Active Duty|year=1900|publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://archive.org/details/registercommiss02deptgoog|quote=william pigott cronan.|access-date=10 June 2011|page=[https://archive.org/details/registercommiss02deptgoog/page/n374 149]}}</ref> Upon graduation, he participated in the [[Battle of Santiago de Cuba]] of the [[Spanish–American War]] aboard {{USS|Brooklyn|CA-3|6}}.<ref>{{cite book|last=Maclay|first=Edgar Stanton|title=A History of the United States Navy from 1775 to 1902|year=1901|publisher=[[D. Appleton & Company]]|location=New York City|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OPRBAAAAYAAJ&q=%22william+pigott+cronan%22&pg=PA372|access-date=10 June 2011|page=372}}</ref> He also served aboard {{USS|Iowa|BB-4|6}} as an [[Ensign (rank)#United States|ensign]].<ref>{{cite book|title=List and Station of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Navy of the United States, and of the Marine Corps, on the Active List, and Officers on the Retired List on Employed on Active Duty|year=1898|publisher=[[United States Government Printing Office]]|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://archive.org/details/listandstationc00deptgoog|quote=william pigott cronan.|access-date=10 June 2011|page=20}}</ref> He subsequently served aboard {{USS|Don Juan de Austria}}, leaving the ship in 1901.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army and Navy Orders|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1901-09-01/ed-1/seq-3/ocr/|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[New York Tribune]]|date=1 September 1901|agency=[[Horace Greeley]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022031337/http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/1901-09-01/ed-1/seq-3/ocr/|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live|location=New York City|page=3}}</ref> In 1903, while serving aboard {{USS|Marietta|PG-15|6}}, Cronan and eight enlisted men rescued a [[Venezuela]]n fisherman off the coast of [[La Guaira]] under dangerous conditions, for which he received praise from the Venezuelan government and his superior officers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ensign and Jackies Rescue Venezuelan: Words of Praise for Act of Great Heroism|url=http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026749/1903-01-04/ed-1/seq-3.pdf|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[Washington Times-Herald|Washington Times]]|date=4 January 1903|agency=[[Hearst Corporation]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022040116/http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84026749/1903-01-04/ed-1/seq-3.pdf|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live|location=Washington, D.C.|page=3}}</ref> He also served with the [[Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Officer to be Tried for Giving Advice|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1909/09/15/101896715.pdf|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 September 1909|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111113254/http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F60E11F8345512738DDDAC0994D1405B898CF1D3|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live|location=New York City}}</ref>


In 1907, he gained some fame for an incident aboard the [[USS Connecticut (BB-18)|USS ''Connecticut'']] during a [[target practice]] exercise. Believing an explosion imminent within the [[breechblock]] of one of the ship's guns, Cronan shoved his hand within the block to prevent its closing. He prevented any explosion and lost two fingers of his right hand in the process.<ref>{{cite news|title=To Commend Lieut. Cronan: Navy Department Will Take Official Notice of His Bravery|url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F30E10FE3C5A17738DDDAB0A94D8415B878CF1D3|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=22 October 1907|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLHMciQB|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=New York City}}</ref>
In 1907, he gained some fame for an incident aboard {{USS|Connecticut|BB-18|6}} during a [[target practice]] exercise. Believing an explosion imminent within the [[breechblock]] of one of the ship's guns, Cronan shoved his hand within the block to prevent its closing. He prevented any explosion and lost two fingers of his right hand in the process.<ref>{{cite news|title=To Commend Lieut. Cronan: Navy Department Will Take Official Notice of His Bravery|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1907/10/22/104710610.pdf|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=22 October 1907|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111113225/http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F30E10FE3C5A17738DDDAB0A94D8415B878CF1D3|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live|location=New York City}}</ref>


In 1911, Cronan became the first [[commanding officer]] of the [[USS Monaghan (DD-32)|USS ''Monaghan'']] as a [[Lieutenant commander (United States)|lieutenant commander]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Mooney|first=James|title=[[Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]]|year=1981|publisher=[[Naval History & Heritage Command]]|location=Washington, D.C.|chapter-url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m13/monaghan-i.htm|accessdate=10 June 2011|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLEoKrhm|archivedate=10 June 2011|chapter=Monaghan}}</ref> During his time in command, the ship struck a naval pier at full speed and took several hours to get loose.<ref>{{cite news|title=Destroyer Hits Naval Pier: Monoghan, Stuck Fast, Released by Water Pressure and Other Boats|url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F0071FFA3E5517738DDDA10A94D0405B818DF1D3|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=28 August 1911|agency=[[The New York Times]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLOHO2Nx|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=New York City}}</ref> In 1913 he became the commander of the newly formed [[United States Fleet Forces Command|Atlantic Fleet]] Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet and also commanded his flagship [[USS Jouett (DD-41)|USS ''Jouett'']].<ref>{{cite news|title=Record Torpedo Flotilla: American Armada of Powerful Destroyers Being Organized|url=http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=FB0811FF3C5913738DDDA80894DA415B838DF1D3|accessdate=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=1 December 1913|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLOnJuE3|archivedate=10 June 2011|location=New York City}}</ref> Cronan served in [[World War I]] as the [[commanding officer]] of the [[U.S.S. Komingin der Nederlanden|U.S.S. ''Komingin der Nederlanden'']], a transport ship, for which he received the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]].<ref name=cross>{{cite news|title=Valor Awards for William Pigott Cronan|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=9300|accessdate=8 June 2011|newspaper=Military Times|year=2011|agency=[[Gannett Government Media]]|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5zI7G4cak|archivedate=8 June 2011}}</ref> He retired as a [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|Captain]] on October 4, 1923.<ref name=cross/>
In 1911, Cronan became the first [[commanding officer]] of {{USS|Monaghan|DD-32|6}} as a [[Lieutenant commander (United States)|lieutenant commander]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Mooney|first=James|title=[[Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships]]|year=1981|publisher=[[Naval History & Heritage Command]]|location=Washington, D.C.|chapter-url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m13/monaghan-i.htm|access-date=10 June 2011|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5zLEoKrhm?url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m13/monaghan-i.htm|archive-date=10 June 2011|chapter=Monaghan}}</ref> During his time in command, the ship struck a naval pier at full speed and took several hours to get loose.<ref>{{cite news|title=Destroyer Hits Naval Pier: Monoghan, Stuck Fast, Released by Water Pressure and Other Boats|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1911/08/28/104834983.pdf|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=28 August 1911|agency=[[The New York Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111113258/http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F0071FFA3E5517738DDDA10A94D0405B818DF1D3|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live|location=New York City}}</ref> In 1913 he became the commander of the newly formed [[United States Fleet Forces Command|Atlantic Fleet]] Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet and also commanded his [[flagship]] {{USS|Jouett|DD-41|6}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Record Torpedo Flotilla: American Armada of Powerful Destroyers Being Organized|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/12/01/100411778.pdf|access-date=10 June 2011|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=1 December 1913|agency=[[The New York Times Company]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111113303/http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=FB0811FF3C5913738DDDA80894DA415B838DF1D3|archive-date=11 November 2012|url-status=live|location=New York City}}</ref> Cronan served in [[World War I]] as the [[commanding officer]] of {{USS|Komingin der Nederlanden}}, a transport ship, for which he received the [[Navy Cross (United States)|Navy Cross]].<ref name=cross>{{cite news|title=Valor Awards for William Pigott Cronan|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=9300|access-date=8 June 2011|newspaper=Military Times|year=2011|agency=[[Gannett Government Media]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120826171711/http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=9300|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 August 2012}}</ref> He retired as a [[Captain (United States)#U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|captain]] on October 4, 1923.<ref name=cross/>


==Governorship==
==Governorship==
Cronan served as acting [[Naval Governor of Guam]] from April 29, 1916 to May 8, 1916.<ref name=list>{{cite web|title=Naval Era Governors of Guam|url=http://guampedia.com/naval-era-governors-of-guam/|work=Guampedia|publisher=[[University of Guam]]|accessdate=4 April 2011|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5tqqTg3k2|archivedate=29 October 2010|location=[[Guam]]|date=10 August 2010}}</ref> As the ranking officer present, he took command from outgoing governor [[William John Maxwell]] pending the arrival of appointee [[Roy Campbell Smith]]. Cronan remained in [[Guam]] after his tenure as governor as commander of the [[USS Supply (1873)|USS ''Supply'']]. He captured German [[Corvette Captain]] [[Adalbert Zuckschwerdt]] after he exploded the [[SMS Cormoran (1909)|SMS ''Cormoran'']] rather than allow her to be captured in [[Apra Harbor]] during [[World War I]]. He reportedly greeted Zuckschwerdt with the accolade "Sir, you are a brave man."<ref>{{cite book|title=European War Pamphlets|year=1919|publisher=United States|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XRBWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PP46&dq=cronan+guam&hl=en&ei=CuTfTZSpLISjtge9wpyUCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CD4Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=cronan&f=false|accessdate=10 June 2011|volume=59}}</ref>
Cronan served as acting [[Naval Governor of Guam]] from April 29, 1916, to May 8, 1916.<ref name=list>{{cite web|title=Naval Era Governors of Guam|url=http://guampedia.com/naval-era-governors-of-guam/|work=Guampedia|publisher=[[University of Guam]]|access-date=4 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711134857/http://guampedia.com/naval-era-governors-of-guam/|archive-date=11 July 2011|url-status=live|location=[[Guam]]|date=10 August 2010}}</ref> As the ranking officer present, he took command from outgoing governor [[William John Maxwell]] pending the arrival of appointee [[Roy Campbell Smith]]. Cronan remained in [[Guam]] after his tenure as governor as commander of {{USS|Supply|1873|6}}. He captured German [[Corvette Captain]] [[Adalbert Zuckschwerdt]] after the German officer exploded {{SMS|Cormoran|1909|6}} rather than allow her to be captured in [[Apra Harbor]] during [[World War I]]. He reportedly greeted Zuckschwerdt with the accolade "Sir, you are a brave man."<ref>{{cite book|title=European War Pamphlets|year=1919|publisher=United States|location=Washington, D.C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XRBWAAAAYAAJ&q=cronan&pg=PP46|access-date=10 June 2011|volume=59}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Portal|Biography}}
{{Portal|Biography}}
*[https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/#/arlington-national/search/results/1/CgZjcm9uYW4SB3dpbGxpYW0-/ Arlington National Cemetery]
{{findagrave|19693611|William Pigott Cronan}}


{{Governors of Guam}}
{{Governors of Guam}}
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[[Category:1879 births]]
[[Category:1879 births]]
[[Category:1929 deaths]]
[[Category:1929 deaths]]
[[Category:People from New Haven, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Military personnel from New Haven, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Members of the New York Yacht Club]]
[[Category:Members of the New York Yacht Club]]
[[Category:People from San Diego]]
[[Category:People from San Diego]]
[[Category:Burials at Arlington National Cemetery]]
[[Category:Burials at Arlington National Cemetery]]
[[Category:American military personnel of the Spanish–American War]]
[[Category:American military personnel of the Spanish–American War]]
[[Category:American naval personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:United States Navy personnel of World War I]]
[[Category:Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Navy]]
[[Category:United States Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps]]
[[Category:American amputees]]
[[Category:American amputees]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States)]]
[[Category:Military personnel from California]]

Revision as of 19:18, 3 September 2023

For the Medal of Honor recipient, see William S. Cronan.
William Pigott Cronan
Cronan in 1903
19th Naval Governor of Guam
In office
April 29, 1916 – May 8, 1916
Preceded byWilliam John Maxwell
Succeeded byEdward Simpson (governor)
Personal details
BornMarch 6, 1879
New Haven, Connecticut, US
DiedMarch 18, 1929(1929-03-18) (aged 50)
San Diego, California, US
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
AwardsNavy Cross
Nickname"the most popular man in the Navy"
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy Seal United States Navy
Years of service1898–1923
Rank Captain
CommandsUSS Monaghan
USS Jouett
USS Komingin der Nederlanden
Atlantic Fleet Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet
Battles/warsBattle of Santiago de Cuba

William Pigott Cronan (March 6, 1879 – March 18, 1929) was a United States Navy captain who served as the 19th Naval Governor of Guam. During his tenure in the Navy, he became decorated, commanded a number of ships, and came to be known as "the most popular man in the Navy". He participated in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish–American War. In 1903, he gained some attention for his participation in the rescue of a Venezuelan fisherman off the coast of La Guaira under bad conditions. Both the Venezuelan government and navy command praised him for the way he carried out the operation. He became a national news story in 1907 while serving aboard USS Connecticut during a training operation. When a gun nearly exploded because of leaking powder; he shoved his hand into the gun's breechblock, preventing the explosion and losing two of his fingers in the process.

He served as the first commanding officer of USS Monaghan in 1911. He would later command the Atlantic Fleet Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet from the flagship USS Jouett. During World War I, he first commanded USS Supply and captured German Corvette Captain Adalbert Zuckschwerdt off the coast of Guam. He also commanded USS Komingin der Nederlanden during the war, for which he received the Navy Cross. The house he owned with wife Nellie Grant Cronan, granddaughter of President Ulysses S. Grant, is now an historical site in San Diego. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Life

Cronan was born on March 6, 1879, to Patrick J. Cronan and Ellen Theresa (Pigott) Cronan in New Haven, Connecticut.[1] His uncle, James P. Pigott, served in the United States House of Representatives from Connecticut.[2] Another uncle, James T. Mullen, was the first Supreme Knight of the Order of the Knights of Columbus.[3]

Cronan was an officer in the New York Yacht Club.[4] He married Nellie Grant, daughter of Jesse Root Grant and granddaughter of President Ulysses S. Grant, in 1913.[5] They had two daughters: Nellie Grant Cronan and Elizabeth Grant Cronan. Nellie was born in Tokyo and married United States Army Captain Franklin Gibney Rothwell in 1942.[6] From 1923 until his death in 1929 Cronan lived in San Diego, California, in the William and Nell Cronan House, now considered an historical resource by the city.[7] During his time in the Navy, he was known as "the most popular man in the Navy".[8] He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Naval career

Cronan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1898.[9] While still a naval cadet he served aboard USS Marblehead.[10] Upon graduation, he participated in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba of the Spanish–American War aboard USS Brooklyn.[11] He also served aboard USS Iowa as an ensign.[12] He subsequently served aboard USS Don Juan de Austria, leaving the ship in 1901.[13] In 1903, while serving aboard USS Marietta, Cronan and eight enlisted men rescued a Venezuelan fisherman off the coast of La Guaira under dangerous conditions, for which he received praise from the Venezuelan government and his superior officers.[14] He also served with the Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy.[15]

In 1907, he gained some fame for an incident aboard USS Connecticut during a target practice exercise. Believing an explosion imminent within the breechblock of one of the ship's guns, Cronan shoved his hand within the block to prevent its closing. He prevented any explosion and lost two fingers of his right hand in the process.[16]

In 1911, Cronan became the first commanding officer of USS Monaghan as a lieutenant commander.[17] During his time in command, the ship struck a naval pier at full speed and took several hours to get loose.[18] In 1913 he became the commander of the newly formed Atlantic Fleet Torpedo Flotilla Fifth Fleet and also commanded his flagship USS Jouett.[19] Cronan served in World War I as the commanding officer of USS Komingin der Nederlanden, a transport ship, for which he received the Navy Cross.[9] He retired as a captain on October 4, 1923.[9]

Governorship

Cronan served as acting Naval Governor of Guam from April 29, 1916, to May 8, 1916.[20] As the ranking officer present, he took command from outgoing governor William John Maxwell pending the arrival of appointee Roy Campbell Smith. Cronan remained in Guam after his tenure as governor as commander of USS Supply. He captured German Corvette Captain Adalbert Zuckschwerdt after the German officer exploded SMS Cormoran rather than allow her to be captured in Apra Harbor during World War I. He reportedly greeted Zuckschwerdt with the accolade "Sir, you are a brave man."[21]

References

  1. ^ "Review of the Year". The Journal of the American-Irish Historical Society. 7. Boston: American Irish Historical Society: 114. 1907. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  2. ^ "Cronan's Heroism Prevented Explosion". The Meriden Daily Journal. Meriden, Connecticut. 21 October 1907. p. 3. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  3. ^ Kauffman, Christopher J. (1982). Faith and Fraternalism: The History of the Knights of Columbus, 1882–1982. Harper and Row. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-06-014940-6.
  4. ^ "Blair to be Commodore" (PDF). The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. 15 November 2010. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  5. ^ "Miss Nell Grant to Wed". The Register-Guard. Eugene, Oregon. Guard Publishing Company. 18 April 1913. p. 1. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  6. ^ "Cronan–Rothwell". The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. 9 November 1941. p. D2.
  7. ^ Saunders, Kelly (6 November 2009). "City of San Diego Memorandum: ITEM #9 – 2950 and 2950A Sixth Avenue" (PDF). San Diego: City of San Diego Historical Resources Board. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 May 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  8. ^ "Milestones: Apr. 8, 1929". Time. New York City. Time Inc. 8 April 1929. Archived from the original on 5 January 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  9. ^ a b c "Valor Awards for William Pigott Cronan". Military Times. Gannett Government Media. 2011. Archived from the original on 26 August 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2011.
  10. ^ Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and Reserve Officers on Active Duty. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1900. p. 149. Retrieved 10 June 2011. william pigott cronan.
  11. ^ Maclay, Edgar Stanton (1901). A History of the United States Navy from 1775 to 1902. New York City: D. Appleton & Company. p. 372. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  12. ^ List and Station of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Navy of the United States, and of the Marine Corps, on the Active List, and Officers on the Retired List on Employed on Active Duty. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1898. p. 20. Retrieved 10 June 2011. william pigott cronan.
  13. ^ "Army and Navy Orders". New York Tribune. New York City. Horace Greeley. 1 September 1901. p. 3. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  14. ^ "Ensign and Jackies Rescue Venezuelan: Words of Praise for Act of Great Heroism" (PDF). Washington Times. Washington, D.C. Hearst Corporation. 4 January 1903. p. 3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  15. ^ "Officer to be Tried for Giving Advice" (PDF). The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. 15 September 1909. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  16. ^ "To Commend Lieut. Cronan: Navy Department Will Take Official Notice of His Bravery" (PDF). The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. 22 October 1907. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  17. ^ Mooney, James (1981). "Monaghan". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Washington, D.C.: Naval History & Heritage Command. Archived from the original on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  18. ^ "Destroyer Hits Naval Pier: Monoghan, Stuck Fast, Released by Water Pressure and Other Boats" (PDF). The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times. 28 August 1911. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  19. ^ "Record Torpedo Flotilla: American Armada of Powerful Destroyers Being Organized" (PDF). The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. 1 December 1913. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  20. ^ "Naval Era Governors of Guam". Guampedia. Guam: University of Guam. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
  21. ^ European War Pamphlets. Vol. 59. Washington, D.C.: United States. 1919. Retrieved 10 June 2011.

External links

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