Elphege A. M. Gendreau

Who is Elphege A. M. Gendreau?

Elphege Alfred Mailliot Gendreau was an officer of the United States Navy during World War I and World War II.

Gendreau was born in Canada on 29 June 1888. Gendreau was commissioned Assistant Surgeon, Medical Reserve Corps, with the rank of Lieutenant on 20 August 1915. He served on USS Glacier in Mexican waters during political unrest in that country, and in Charleston during World War I.

After distinguished service in a number of assignments afloat and ashore, Gendreau was commissioned Captain on 20 September 1939. During the years 1940 and 1941, he served as Force Surgeon of Battle Force and subsequently on the staff of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet. In the summer of 1943, he was on temporary duty in the South Pacific inspecting medical facilities to improve treatment and care of battle casualties. He voluntarily embarked in LST-343 to assist in the evacuation of the sick and wounded from Rendova. He was killed in a dive-bombing attack on the LST-343 on 21 July 1943. His unspectacular but dedicated service prompted Admiral Nimitz to recommend that a destroyer be named for Captain Gendreau.

The destroyer escort USS Gendreau was launched on 12 December 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Josephine Gendreau, widow of Captain E. A. M. Gendreau, with Mrs. Chester W. Nimitz as matron of honor.