Claude Charles Bloch

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Claude Charles Bloch was born on 13 July 1878 in Woodbury, KY. Bloch graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1899. He commanded USS Plattsburg (ID-1645) during World War I, and the USS California (BB-44) from 1927 to 1929.

He served as the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet from 1938 to 6 January 1940, as was customary holding the temporary grade of four-star Admiral. Following this assignment, he reverted to his permanent grade, Rear Admiral (Upper Half), and commanded the Fourteenth Naval District at Pearl Harbor at the time of the attack. He later served on the General Board of the Navy from 1942-1945.

Bloch was the highest ranking Jewish officer in the Armed Forces until well after the Second World War.

Admiral Bloch retired in 1945. He retired as Admiral, the highest rank he held while on active duty.

Death and Burial

Admiral Claude Charles Bloch died on 1 October 1967 in Washington, DC. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.