He began his career graduating from the US Navy Academy in 1923, trained and designated as a naval aviator in 1929, served during World War II and became the first naval aviator assigned to the US Military Mission Post in Moscow. After the war, he was assigned to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations, promoted to Rear Admiral in 1951, was Commander of Carrier Divisions, Asia and was promoted to full Admiral in command of the 6th Fleet, Mediterranean in 1956.
From 1958 to 1964, he was the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (CINCPAC) and influenced the direction of US policy in Southeast Asia. He oversaw the deployment to Laos and South Vietnam of increasing numbers of Army "Green Berets," Navy SEALs and Air Force Air Commandos. He also supported the deployment to Southeast Asia of conventional US military forces to the resolve the fighting ability of the Laotian and South Vietnamese armed forces.
During his tour as commander, US Army and Marine helicopter companies, Navy coastal patrol ships and Air Force tactical squadrons operated in support of the allied forces. He retired in July 1964, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62. His awards include the Navy Cross, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit and Navy Unit Commendation Medal.
He began his career graduating from the US Navy Academy in 1923, trained and designated as a naval aviator in 1929, served during World War II and became the first naval aviator assigned to the US Military Mission Post in Moscow. After the war, he was assigned to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations, promoted to Rear Admiral in 1951, was Commander of Carrier Divisions, Asia and was promoted to full Admiral in command of the 6th Fleet, Mediterranean in 1956.
From 1958 to 1964, he was the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (CINCPAC) and influenced the direction of US policy in Southeast Asia. He oversaw the deployment to Laos and South Vietnam of increasing numbers of Army "Green Berets," Navy SEALs and Air Force Air Commandos. He also supported the deployment to Southeast Asia of conventional US military forces to the resolve the fighting ability of the Laotian and South Vietnamese armed forces.
During his tour as commander, US Army and Marine helicopter companies, Navy coastal patrol ships and Air Force tactical squadrons operated in support of the allied forces. He retired in July 1964, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62. His awards include the Navy Cross, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit and Navy Unit Commendation Medal.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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