US Navy Admiral. Known as "Genial John" behind his back because of his sour attitude, he was born in Seville Ohio and graduated from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1906. After serving a tour of sea duty, he attended submarine training and served in World War I. In 1926, at the rank of commander, he served as the chair of the Submarine Officers Conference before switching to naval aviation. In 1935, at the rank of captain, he became the Chief of Staff, Aircraft, Base Force. He was then promoted to the rank of vice admiral and in December 1941, when the US entered World War II, he became the commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier in Puerto Rico. In August 1943 he was sent to the Pacific Theater and became Commander, Land-based Air, Central Pacific where he was tasked to develop the new air bases on the islands recaptured from the Japanese forces. In December 1943 he became the Commander, Aircraft, Central Pacific, followed by Commander, Central Pacific Forward Area in February 1944, and led Task Force 57 during the Kwajalein and Mejuro, Marshall Island landings. In 1945 he presided over a Navy Court of Inquiry that recommended US Navy Admiral William "Bull" Halsey face court-martial for sailing 3 Fleet into a typhoon in 1945. The recommendation was ignored by Fleet Admiral Ernest King and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who likely felt that Halsey was too much of a popular hero to be subjected to public rebuke. He retired in July 1948 at the rank of vice admiral with 45 years of continuous military service. Among his military decorations and awards include the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal with 2 gold stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the World War I Victory Medal. He was then promoted to the rank of admiral on the retired list for having been especially commended in combat in accordance with an Act of Congress passed on March 4, 1925 and February 23, 1942 (colloquially known as a "tombstone promotion"). He died in Washington DC at the age of 83.