William Ward Smith | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:NH_44989_Rear_Admiral_William_Ward_Smith,_USN_(cropped).jpg) Smith as a rear admiral, 1944 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Poco" |
| Born | February 8, 1888 Newark, New Jersey, US |
| Died | May 20, 1966 (aged 78) Bethesda, Maryland, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service | &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Seal_of_the_United_States_Department_of_the_Navy.svg){kind=small} United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1909-1949 |
| Rank | &sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:US-O9_insignia.svg){kind=small} Vice Admiral |
| Commands | ComServPac Cruiser Division 9 USS Brooklyn |
| Battles / wars | Chinese revolution of 1911 World War I Nicaraguan Campaign World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Navy Commendation Medal |
| Other work | Chairman, Maritime Commission |
William Ward Smith (February 8, 1888 – May 20, 1966) was a decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Vice Admiral. A graduate of the Naval Academy and participant of several conflicts, he distinguished himself during World War II as Commander, Cruiser Task Force during the Battles of the Coral Sea and Midway in May and June 1942.[1]
Following his not very successful command of naval forces during the Aleutian Islands campaign, he was relieved of command and transferred to the administrative post as Director, Naval Transportation Service, where he remained for the rest of the War. In May 1946, Smith was appointed Chairman of the United States Maritime Commission and held this assignment until April 1949.[2]
- ^ "The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia - William W. Smith". pwencycl.kgbudge.com. The Pacific War Encyclopedia. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
NYTIMESwas invoked but never defined (see the help page).