United States Navy Admiral. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he began his 33 year Navy career graduating from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland on June 6, 1919. After various fleet duties, he became involved with early Naval Aviation, becoming a pilot on September 11, 1925. An excellent aviator, he had flown fighters, flying boats, and had been schooled in strategy and tactics. At the outbreak of World War II, he was commanding officer of Naval activities and aviation on Wake Island, in the Pacific Ocean. In the battle for Wake Island he was gallant in defense of his position against the Japanese from December 8 to December 22, 1941. After the surrender of the island, he was a prisoner of war from January 12, 1942 until released in August 1945. Awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on Wake Island, his other awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Expeditionary Medal, Bronze Star and Prisoner of War Medal. He retired as Rear Admiral, Commanding Officer, Naval Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee on June 30, 1950.
United States Navy Admiral. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he began his 33 year Navy career graduating from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland on June 6, 1919. After various fleet duties, he became involved with early Naval Aviation, becoming a pilot on September 11, 1925. An excellent aviator, he had flown fighters, flying boats, and had been schooled in strategy and tactics. At the outbreak of World War II, he was commanding officer of Naval activities and aviation on Wake Island, in the Pacific Ocean. In the battle for Wake Island he was gallant in defense of his position against the Japanese from December 8 to December 22, 1941. After the surrender of the island, he was a prisoner of war from January 12, 1942 until released in August 1945. Awarded the Navy Cross for his actions on Wake Island, his other awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Expeditionary Medal, Bronze Star and Prisoner of War Medal. He retired as Rear Admiral, Commanding Officer, Naval Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee on June 30, 1950.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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