Otto Carl Dowling | |
|---|---|
| Governor of American Samoa | |
| In office April 17, 1934 – January 15, 1936 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Latimore |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Benjamin Fitzpatrick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 28, 1881 |
| Died | 14 April 1946 (aged 65) Trumbull, Connecticut |
| Spouse | Ora Dowling |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy |
| Occupation | Naval officer |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Commands | Naval arsenal at Iona Island; Lake Denmark Powder Depot |
Otto Carl Dowling (February 28, 1881 – April 14, 1946) was a United States Navy Captain, and the governor of American Samoa from April 17, 1934, to January 15, 1936. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1903. Dowling served in World War I, before retiring. He was re-commissioned in World War II, serving as the commander of a naval ammunition depot on Iona Island in New York. He commanded the Lake Denmark Powder Depot, and was in charge when lightning struck the location, causing a large explosion of millions of dollars' worth of ammunition. A board of inquiry recommended him for the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in the situation.
He was Governor of American Samoa from 1934 to 1936. As Governor, he discriminated against the Samoan people, believing they had little ability to plan or administer, and were generally lazy. He abandoned a project on the island to train people in agricultural and sawmill skills.[1] He shut down some local occupational training facilities, and outlawed the sale of alcohol to men under 18, and to all women.
Governor Dowling denied a resolution from the Eastern District that sought to establish a legislative assembly known as the Fono. However, this request was later approved by Governor Vernon Huber.[2]