Courtesy of the U.S. Navy

Florida Atlantic University Libraries

Jewish Generals and Admirals in America's Military

A Judaica Collection Exhibit

Admiral Claude Charles Bloch:
Veteran of World War I and
World War II
by Seymour “Sy” Brody

Admiral Claude Charles Bloch was a decorated veteran of World War I and World War II, who received the Navy Cross for bravery.

He was born on July 12, 1978, in Woodbury, Kentucky. Bloch graduated from the United States Naval Academy, 1899. In World War I he commanded the USS Plattsburg (ID-1645).

He was the Commander of Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR) from 1937-1938. He then became the Commander-in-Chief, of the U.S. Fleet (CINCUS) from 1938-1940.

Bloch commanded the local Naval District when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was in Washington, D.C., to attend a conference and then he was on leave. He was in the theater in New York City watching “Tobacco Road” when they stopped the show to tell the audience that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor.

Admiral Claude Charles Bloch was in the Navy 46 years. He retired in 1945 and lived in Washington, D.C. He died in 1967 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

For additional information, contact
Special Collections and Archives
S.E. Wimberly Library

Return to Table of Contents
Return to FAU Libraries Judaica Collections Home Page

FAU Home Page
FAU Libraries Home Page