Albert B. Randall

Rear Admiral Albert B. Randall, U.S.N.R., (September 10, 1879-June 3, 1945) served as the Commandant of the US Maritime Service and retired as the Commodore of the Fleet of the United States Lines.

Nicknamed 'Rescue Randall' for rescues at sea,[1] He was a friend to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and gained the distinction of being the first merchant marine officer ever to receive the high rank of rear admiral, in September 1941.

Over the following years, he gained extensive experience in Asiatic waters, serving as a ship's officer on army transports such as Burnside, Sedgwick, and Kilpatrick, voyaging to and from the Philippines and the West Indies.

During World War I, Captain Randall's exceptional contributions to convoy activities earned him recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Legion of Honor bestowed upon him by France.

Despite challenging conditions, including rough seas, Captain Randall successfully rescued every surviving member of the Rhein de Mers crew.

[13] Ultimately, Captain Albert Randall's illustrious career culminated in his promotion to the esteemed position of Commodore of the fleet aboard the flagship Manhattan.

[14] His remarkable achievements, from his humble beginnings as an ordinary seaman to his command of prestigious vessels, exemplify his dedication and skill within the maritime industry.

As Commodore of the United States Lines, you commanded the greatest vessels in the American Merchant Marine, and proved yourself worthy in all respects of the prominent position that you held.

Your services with the armed forces of the United States as well as with the Merchant Marines illustrate the interdependence of the navy and the merchant marine for the eventual well being of our country Very sincerely yours, Franklin Delano Roosevelt President of the United States[17] As the skipper of the Manhattan, his return from Europe in the first week of the war was well noted, the ship had taken on 400 extra passengers rushing to leave the war zones and arrived safely.

His golden years, however, were cut short, He was recalled in 1943 by Roosevelt to lead troop transports and to guide convoys of over 20 ships across the Atlantic to the war zone.