Capt. Ralph Clinton Lynch Jr. was born in New York, N.Y. on Jan. 19, 1908. He entered the Naval Academy on June 16, 1925 and was commissioned an ensign on June 6, 1929.
He was assigned to USS Wyoming before reporting to USS Arkansas. In 1933, he had instruction at the Submarine Base, New London, Conn. and reported to USS Nautilus (SS-168) on June 29, 1933.
He returned to Annapolis in June, 1936 for postgraduate instruction in teh School of the Line, completing the course with duty for a month at the Navy Yard, Philadelphia in 1938.
On July 6, 1938, he reported to USS S-46 and assumed command in April, 1939. He continuedduty as commanding officer after the outbreak of World War II, until 1942, participating in operations in the Southwest Pacific, Solomons and New Guinea area, and Rabaul and Lae areas.
In October, 1942, he returned to the Submarine Base, New London, where he had brief instruction as a prospective submarine commanding officer and after fitting out USS Mingo, he assumed command at its commissioning onf Feb. 12, 1943. Under his command, Mingo made war patrols in the Caroline Islands, Ponape, Palau and Marianas areas. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" and a gold star in lieu of a second Bronze Star for commanding Mingo during this period.
From February until October, 1944, he served as operations officer on the staff of commander, Task Force 72, which participated in submarine operations in the Southwest Pacific, the New Guinea Campaign and Philippine guerilla operations. He received a Letter of Commendation with Ribbon and Combat "V" for his service.
He assumed command of Submarine Division 53 from Oct. 23, 1944 until June 5, 1945. On June 21, he was assigned duty as operations officer on the staff of commander, Battleship Squadron Two, Pacific, operating with the Third Fleet off Japan. He later became operations officer on the staff of commander, Task Force 31, taking part in the planning and occupation of the Tokyo Bay area and completion fo surrender plans. He received a Letter of Commendation with Bronze Star for his Commendation Ribbon.
In 1945, he reported to the Navy Department, Washington, D.C. where he was assigned to the Enlisted Performance Division of the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
In 1946, he was detached for duty as Operations Planning Officer on the staff o commander, Naval Base, New York. In 1946, he became General Inspector, Third Naval District and in July, 1947, he assumed command of USS Nereus (AS-17).
He reported for duty in the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in July, 1949 and in July, 1952, he served on the staff of commander-in-chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He served as commander, Destroyer Squadrons Seven and 71. He took command of NTC on Sept. 19, 1955 and retired on July 1, 1959. He was advanced to rear admiral on the basis of combat awards.
In addition to the Bronze Star and Commendation Ribbon, Capt. Lynch also received the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaitn Medal with engagement stars; World War II Victory Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. He wore the Submarine Combat Insignia.
He currently resides in San Diego.
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