Rear Admiral Ira T. Sanders was born
May 22, 1897, in Cheap Hill, Tennessee. He attended the University
of Tennessee where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Civil Engineering on June 4, 1925. Following his graduation
he was appointed as a Deck Officer and on March 26, 1926, was
commissioned as an Ensign.
During his 32-year career, Admiral Sanders served aboard the
following ships: the SURVEYOR, EXPLORER, GUIDE, DISCOVERER,
and the OCEANOGRAPHER. The majority of his career was spent
in geodesy where he was assigned to many field parties, some
as Chief of Party, throughout the United States and to the headquarters
office for the Navy Inshore Survey Program with the U.S. Navy
Hydrographic Office. At the time of his retirement, April 1,
1957, he was assigned to the Director's office.
During World War II, Admiral Sanders was assigned to the Navy
Department where he served as Commander of Hydrographic Survey
Groups at the Amphibious Invasions of Western Pacific Islands.
He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service
as Commander of Mobile Hydrographic Units at the invasions of
Saipan and Tinian in 1944; and a Gold Star in lieu of a second
Bronze Star for meritorious service as Commander of the Hydrographic
Survey Group and Survey Officer on the Staff of the Commander
Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fleet.
Admiral Sanders was given the honorary grade of Rear Admiral
based on his meritorious service during World War II for the
periods June 15 - August 12, 1944, and February 19 - May 17,
1945.
He is survived by his two children.
NOAA CORPS BULLETIN, 5/1/1987
