James Laurence Kauffman was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of vice admiral. He distinguished himself as commanding officer of destroyer USS Jenkins (DD-42) during World War I and received the Navy Cross, the United States second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.
James L. Kauffman
Staff at Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, November 1923. Kauffman (second from left), while served as aide and flag secretary to Admiral Samuel S. Robison. Future admiral Chester Nimitz is second from right.
Commissioning ceremony of destroyer USS McCall at Mare Island Navy Yard in June 1938. Kauffman (left) with Rear Admiral David W. Bagley (center), Commandant of the Yard and Lieutenant Commander John Whelchel, commanding officer of McCall.
Kauffman (left) presents his son Draper L. Kauffman with a Gold Star in lieu of second Navy Cross for heroism under fire during the U.S. invasion of the Mariana Islands, 1 September 1944.
The first USS Jenkins (DD-42) was a modified Paulding-class destroyer in the United States Navy during World War I. She was named for Rear Admiral Thornton A. Jenkins.
USS Jenkins (DD-42) moored in a European port, possibly Queenstown, Ireland, circa 1918. She is painted in dazzle camouflage.
