Draper Kauffman
Draper Laurence Kauffman | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 August 1911 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | 18 August 1979 (aged 68) Budapest, Hungary |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom United States |
| Branch | Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (1940–41) United States Navy (1941–73) |
| Years of service | 1941–1973 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands | 9th Naval District U.S. Naval Forces in the Philippines United States Naval Academy Destroyer Flotilla Three USS Helena (CA-75) USS Bexar (APA-237) Destroyer Division 122 USS Gearing (DD-710) Underwater Demolition Team 5 Naval Combat Demolition Unit |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit |
| Relations | Vice Admiral James L. Kauffman (father) |
Rear Admiral Draper Laurence Kauffman (4 August 1911 – 18 August 1979) was an American underwater demolition expert, who served during the 1960s as 44th Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. During World War II, he organized the first U.S. Navy Combat Demolition Units from which the SEALs and Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) would evolve. His wartime service also included participation in the invasions of Saipan, Tinian, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.