Navy Department Communique No. 47

FEBRUARY 28, 1942

The Navy Department issued the following communiqué:

The Secretary of the Navy announced today the acceptance, effective March 1, 1942, of the application for retirement of Rear Admiral H. E. Kimmel, U. S. N., “without condonation of any offense or prejudice to any future disciplinary action.”

The Secretary of the Navy announced at the same time that, based upon the findings of the report of the Roberts Commission he had directed the preparation of charges for the trial by court-martial of Rear Admiral Kimmel, alleging dereliction of duty. The Secretary of the Navy made it clear, however, that the trial upon these charges would not be held until such time as the public interest and safety would permit.