Lyman Knute Swenson

Who was Lyman Knute Swenson?

Lyman Knute Swenson, was an American naval officer. Swenson was born in Pleasant Grove, Utah and graduated from the Naval Academy on June 2, 1916. After service on board Vermont and USS Denver, he prepared for submarine duty. After serving on board USS D-1 during World War I, he was given command of H-6, 26 May 1919.

In 1921 he returned to surface ships, serving in USS Arkansas and USS New Mexico, before commanding Isabel and then Destroyer Division 64. Juneau came under his command 18 December 1941 while still under construction. The newly promoted captain and the newly built light cruiser were both lost in the latter stage of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal 13 November 1942. Twice torpedoed during what historian S. E. Morison called the “wildest most desperate sea fight since Jutland”, Juneau sank rapidly, taking under the captain and most of her crew, including the five Sullivan brothers. This battle prevented the Japanese from landing reinforcements on Guadalcanal.

For his “extraordinary heroism...daring and determination...” Captain Swenson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.