Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Harold
Edson
Shear
1918-12-06

–

1999-02-01

Home:

Portland

, 

Maine

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Harold Shear graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1942. From 1975 to 1977, he served as the 17th Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He retired as a U.S. Navy Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Sawfish (SS-276)

    Action Date:

    September 9 – November 8, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02170

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Harold Edson Shear (NSN: 0-81323523/1120), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. SAWFISH (SS-276) during her EIGHTH War Patrol in enemy Japanese Waters from 9 September to 8 November 1944. By his careful and precise control of depth, Lieutenant Commander Shear rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in conducting successful attacks on enemy shipping, resulting in the sinking of two vessels totaling 17,900 tons and to the damaging of amore than 10,000 tons. His calm manner and devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Defense Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1977 – March 1980

    Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Harold Edson Shear (NSN: 0-81323523/1120), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Commander, Allied Forces Southern Europe, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, from July 1977 through March 1980. Under Admiral Shear’s personal direction, important and far-reaching advances were made in every aspect of his multi-national command’s wide-ranging and disparate responsibilities. His direction and leadership significantly enhanced the command relationships in the Southern Region of Allied Command Europe. His personal efforts led to substantially increased cooperation among allied forces, which resulted in a significant improvement in NATO’s overall command combat readiness. Admiral Shear made invaluable contributions to a myriad of sensitive and important political/military issues having significant impact upon NATO and the United States. He consistently demonstrated compassionate and concerned leadership for the personnel throughout his far-ranging command and made significant improvements in the quality of life of these service personnel. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Shear reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1971 – December 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Harold Edson Shear (NSN: 0-81323523/1120), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director, Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Programs, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, from May 1971 to December 1972. Combining superior leadership and diligence with professional expertise and determination, Vice Admiral Shear skillfully directed the improvement of the U.S. Navy’s ASW capability in air, surface, sub-surface and surveillance programs. By carefully guiding Research and Development and Test and Evaluation, by participating in intelligent production decision, and by vigorously pursuing effective fleet effectiveness introduction of improved ASW Systems, he ensured increased fleet effectiveness against an improved submarine challenge. Vice Admiral Shear made lasting contributions to the national security of the United States through his personal diplomacy directed toward strengthening the capabilities of allied navies. His superb performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1975 – July 1977

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Harold Edson Shear (NSN: 0-81323523/1120), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations from July 1975 to July 1977. Functioning in close cooperation with and in direct support of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Shear’s astute and timely recommendations were invaluable in formulation and implementation of Naval strategy. Possessed of a profound grasp of global strategy, he demonstrated an inestimable capability for timely and accurate assessment of U.S. Naval requirements and recommended courses of action in the fulfillment of national policy. In the absence of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Shear contributed directly as a highly respected alternate member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in deliberations involving the vital interests and security of the United States. Under his steadfast guidance, the Foreign Military Sales, Steering Group facilitated coordination of all U.S. Navy support of U.S. Security Assistance Program objectives. With highly respected technical competence and professional acumen, Admiral Shear established and maintained an effective rapport with the organizations within the Department of Defense and with the industrial and scientific communities in the conduct of Naval affairs. By his distinguished achievements and resolute dedication, Admiral Shear reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.