Herbert F. Leary

Herbert Fairfax Leary
Born(1885-05-31)May 31, 1885
Washington, D.C., US
DiedDecember 3, 1957(1957-12-03) (aged 72)
Newport, Rhode Island, US
Buried
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1905–1946
Rank Vice admiral
CommandsEastern Sea Frontier
Battleships, Pacific
Cruisers, Battle Force
USS Portland
Battles / warsOccupation of Cuba
World War I
World War II
AwardsNavy Cross
Silver Star
Legion of Merit (2)
RelationsRADM Richard P. Leary (father)

Herbert Fairfax Leary (May 31, 1885 – December 3, 1957) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of vice admiral. A son of Rear Admiral Richard P. Leary, he distinguished himself during World War I while on the staff of commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe under Admiral William Sims and received the Navy Cross, the United States Navy's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.[1]

Leary remained in the Navy following the war and held many important assignments, including command of cruiser USS Portland and later as Director of Fleet Training Division. Following the United States' entry into World War II, he already held a flag rank and commanded the ANZAC Force based in Australia. Due to disputes with General Douglas MacArthur, Leary was ordered back to the United States and served as commander, Eastern Sea Frontier in New York City until the end of the war.[2]

Although he retired from the Navy in early 1946, Leary remained active and served as president of the New York Maritime Academy from 1946 to 1951 during the period of the academy's transformation into the New York State Maritime College.[3][4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Valor awards for Herbert F. Leary was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia - Herbert F. Leary". pwencycl.kgbudge.com. The Pacific War Encyclopedia. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Admiral Leary to retired on June 1 as State Maritime College Head; The New York Times, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1950, page 32". timesmachine.nytimes.com. New York Times Websites. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  4. ^ The National Cyclopaedie of American Biography, Volume XLIII - Herbert F. Leary, page 253. Hathi Trust Digital Library. 1893. Retrieved June 19, 2018 – via babel.hathitrust.org.