Naval History and Heritage Command

Finding aid (Word)

Biographical Note

Charles Monroe Elmer Hoffman was born in Roselle Park, Elizabeth, New Jersey. During World War I, he served as a seaman, assigned to the Naval Proving Ground, Indian Head, Maryland before entering the U.S. Naval Academy by competitive examination from the ranks in 1920.

After graduating from the Academy in 1924, he was assigned to USS Nevada for one year. Transferring to the Asiatic Station, he served from June 1925 to May 1928 on USS Sicard during engagements with Chinese troops on the Yangtze River. Returning at that time to the United States, he joined USS New Mexico, flagship of Battleship Division 4, Battle Fleet, then in the Atlantic. In the summer of 1930 he was under instruction at the Postgraduate School, Annapolis, Maryland, and later at Columbia University, receiving his Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from that university in 1932.

From June 1932 to June 1934 he was attached to USS Fox, of Destroyers, Scouting Force, at San Diego, California, and served the following year on USS Twiggs. He then was assigned for two years as Assistant Superintendent of Machinery, Norfolk Navy Yard. From June 1937 to February 1938 he was Engineer Officer and Assistant Repair Officer aboard USS Melville. From February 1938 to June 1940 he served as Executive Officer of USS Aylwin, and was Engineer Officer of USS Colorado thereafter until May 1941.

The next two years he served at the Naval Academy, Naval Engineering Experimental School and when detached in June 1943 he reported to the Submarine Chaser Training Center, Miami, Florida, and assumed command of Escort Division 5, Atlantic Fleet. For his service as Commander Task Force 67 from 4 March to 11 May 1944 he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

He subsequently served as Atlantic Fleet Escort Commander, and when detached from that command he reported in September 1945 to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, and served as Executive Assistant Manager, Industrial Department, transferring the following November to the Naval Base there as Executive Officer at the Berthing Area. From April 1946 until July 1948 he served as Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander Naval Base Bremerton.

When detached from staff duty in September 1948, he assumed command of the repair ship USS Vulcan, and after one year in that command he had orders to duty in the Navy Department as Assistant Chief of Naval Research for administration, Office of Naval Research and Development.

Scope and Content Note

The Papers of Rear Admiral Charles Hoffman contain correspondence regarding Destroyer Division 38's entry into the Azores and other related subjects.

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as Papers of Charles M.E. Hoffman, Archives Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C.

Subject Headings (LCSH)

United States. Navy. Destroyer Division 38.
World War, 1939-1945--Naval Operation, American.
United States. Navy--History--Sources.