Elliott Buckmaster

Who was Elliott Buckmaster?

Vice Admiral Elliott Buckmaster was a United States Navy officer, later promoted to flag rank, and naval aviator during World War I and World War II.

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Dr. Augustus Harper Buckmaster and the former Helen Gardner Elliott Masters Buckmaster was raised in Charlottesville, Virginia from the age of twelve. Appointed from Virginia to the United States Naval Academy in 1908, Buckmaster graduated with the Class of 1912. Assigned to the USS New Jersey at the occupation of Vera Cruz in 1914, Buckmaster was credited with rescuing a wounded sailor and bringing him to safety. Buckmaster was promoted through the ranks until 1934 when, with the rank of Commander, he would commission USS Farragut as her first Commanding Officer. Following command of Farragut, Commander Buckmaster applied for flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Upon graduation in 1936 at age 47, Buckmaster performed duties in aviation until ordered in 1938 to USS Lexington as her Executive Officer. Serving in this capacity until 1939, he was then promoted to Captain and ordered to Naval Air Station Ford Island as Commanding Officer, serving in this capacity until January 1941.