Thomas Darden
Thomas Francis Darden Jr. (September 8, 1900 – June 17, 1961) was a U.S. Navy officer who achieved the rank of captain, the commander of a Navy light cruiser during World War II, and was the governor of American Samoa from July 7, 1949 through February 23, 1951. Darden also served on the staffs of two U.S. Navy admirals during the War in the Pacific: rear admirals Henry Hughes Hough and Thomas L. Sprague.
Thomas Francis Darden Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office July 7, 1949 – February 23, 1951 | |
| Preceded by | Vernon Huber |
| Succeeded by | Phelps Phelps |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 8, 1900 Brooklyn, New York, US |
| Died | June 17, 1961 (aged 60) |
| Resting place | Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery |
| Occupation | Naval officer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands | USS Benham (DD-397); USS Denver (CL-58); Special Programs Unit |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, Battle of Surigao Strait, Liberation of the Philippines |
Darden served on and commanded warships, and then in the 1940s was appointed head of the "Special Programs Unit". This unit trained African Americans for accelerated promotion in the Navy; Darden himself advocated for racial integration in the Navy.
Darden also served as the last military governor of American Samoa, and since February 1951, his successors have all been civilians.