Obituaries: Rear Admiral Harold R. Fick, 1985, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483

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From: November 6, 1985 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American

Rear Admiral Harold R. Fick, USN (Ret), a resident of Coronado since 1946,
died Monday, October 28th in his home.  He was 86.

Admiral Fick was born in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1899 and was a graduate of
Winnfield High School, class of 1916, in Winnfield, Louisiana.  Appointed to
the U. S. Naval Academy in 1916, graduating with the class of 1920.  After
serving on board various ships, he was designated a Naval Aviator in 1923.
Prior to World War II he served on board the USS New York, the USS California,
and the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga and USS Lexington.  He commanded the
Seaplane Tender USS Childs in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.

At the outbreak of World War II, Admiral Fick served as the first
Superintendent of Aviation Training at the Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi,
Texas, followed by duty as Chief of Staff, Naval Air Training Command.

During World War II Admiral Fick commanded the aircraft carrier USS Santee
in the Battle of the Atlantic and in the landings in Sicily, for which he was
awarded the Bronze Star, the Task Group he commanded being credited with
sinking three German U-Boats.  As Commanding Officer of the USS Santee in
action against the Japanese in the Pacific he was awarded the Legion of Merit
and the Presidential Unit Citation.

At the close of World War II Admiral Fick commanded the aircraft carrier USS
Bon Homme Richard, the first carrier to enter Tokyo Bay for the surrender
of the Japanese in 1945.  In addition to the above awards he was awarded
the Commendation Ribbon and all area ribbons.

Following retirement in 1946, Admiral Fick was active in many local civic
affairs.  He served on the San Diego Girl Scouts of American Finance Committee
and was awarded the Gold "THANKS" Award for his efforts in securing access
to U. S. Government surplus items for the Girl Scouts.  He obtained his law
degree from Cal Western College and served as Executive Vice President of
Firebaugh Motors, now in Los Angeles.  He was a member of the Coronado Chapter
of the American Legion.

Surviving are his wife, Francis; two daughters, Francis Yturralde of San Diego
and Catherine Jean Healy of Coronado; nine grandchildren and twenty-two great
grandchildren; and his brother, Clarence W. Fick of Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Rosary was recited at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday, October 30.  Services
were held at the U. S. Naval Air Station, North Island on Thursday, October
31st at 10:00 a.m.  Interment was in Holy Cross Cemetery following services.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church, Coronado or to the St. Vincent
de Paul Center in San Diego.