William Daniel Leahy
Date of birth: May 6, 1875Date of death: 20-Jul-59
Place of Birth: Iowa, Hampton
Home of record: Hampton Iowa
William Leahy graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of in 1897, and served in the Spanish-American War and World War I. In 1937, Leahy became the Navy's 7th Chief of Naval Operations but retired two years later and became governor of Puerto Rico. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt named Leahy ambassador to Vichy France. Recalled to naval service in 1942, he was chief of staff to Roosevelt and to Harry S. Truman until 1949. In 1944, Leahy became the first fleet (five-star) admiral.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War IThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain William Daniel Leahy, United States Navy, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PRINCESS MATOIKA, engaged in the important, exacting and hazardous duty of transporting and escorting troops and supplies to European ports through waters infested with enemy submarines and mines during World War I.
Action Date: World War I
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Princess Matoika
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret
