★
Loading archive…
Heroic Score167582nd out of 4480
Number of Medals15
Total Heroic & Non-Heroic Score193315 of 4480
U.S. Navy#64of 703
Surface warfare#24of 182
World War II#264of 924
Attack on Pearl Harbor#3of 7
Naval Battle of Guadalcanal#1of 2
Battle of Okinawa#5of 17
Battle of Iwo Jima#3of 17
Battle of Cape Esperance#1of 2
Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign#2of 4
Battle of the Aleutian Islands#1of 2
Solomon Islands campaign#6of 9
Bruce McCandless
Rear admiral, U.S. Navy
World War IIAttack on Pearl HarborNaval Battle of GuadalcanalBattle of OkinawaBattle of Iwo JimaBattle of Cape EsperanceGilbert and Marshall Islands campaignBattle of the Aleutian IslandsSolomon Islands campaign
Awards & Decorations
- Medal of Honor
- Silver Star
- Purple Heart
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation (2)
- American Defense Service MedalFleet clasp; bronze service star
- American Campaign Medal
- Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal1 silver campaign star; 2 bronze campaign stars
- World War II Victory Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
Ribbon Rack
Biography
Rear Admiral Bruce McCandless was a highly decorated United States Navy officer who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism during World War II. On November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, McCandless served on board the USS San Francisco. When his commanding officers were killed, he assumed command of the damaged cruiser and successfully fought the ship, contributing significantly to the defeat of the enemy force.
Following his distinguished wartime service, McCandless continued his naval career, eventually retiring with the rank of rear admiral. His legacy of service continued through his family; his son, Bruce McCandless II, became a Captain in the United States Navy and a notable NASA astronaut.
Admiral McCandless's decorations, in addition to the Medal of Honor, include the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and multiple campaign and service medals. His actions in the Solomon Islands remain a premier example of naval leadership and courage under intense enemy fire.
Support & adopt
Become the named supporter for this profile and edit the tribute biography and portrait (Owner account required). Proceeds help keep the archive online.
Score Breakdown
Medal of Honor(base 100)
+100Silver Star(base 45)
+45Unified Scoring Metrics Bonuses(career variety ×1.15 (2 medal types))
+22Heroic Score167 pts