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.
Sponsored by:
William
Daniel
Leahy
May 6, 1875
–
July 20, 1959
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Princess MatoikaAction Date:
World War I
The 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.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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 (Retired) William Daniel Leahy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief Army and Navy of the United States, and concurrently as Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Combined Chiefs of Staff. Recalled to active duty on 18 July 1942, during the most dangerous crisis in the history of our country, Fleet Admiral Leahy brought to his task a wealth of experience, vision and decisive judgment in evaluating conflicting world events. Uniquely qualified by his previous distinguished service both in the Navy and in international affairs, he fully justified the unquestioning reliance placed in his wise counsel in the concept of long range strategy against the Axis Powers and his astute appraisal of over-all plans for the complete coordination of the United States and all Allied military and naval forces. Influencing to a large extent the measures for increased offensive as the changing situations of war indicated, Fleet Admiral Leahy, by his leadership, his faith in the rightness of his country’s mission and his confidence in the ability of our forces to halt the enemy’s aggression, played a vital part in the victory achieved. His service to the Commander-in-Chief and to the Nation climaxed a brilliant and long career in the Navy, reflecting the highest credit upon Fleet Admiral Leahy and enhancing the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral William Daniel Leahy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. As Chief of Naval Operations from January 1937 to August 1939, he was charged with the responsibility for the planning and administration of the U.S. Navy during a period when the greatest peace time expansion in its history was reaching its peak. The continuous and uninterrupted reliance placed upon his advice and counsel by the Secretary of the Navy, by the Congress and by the President was demonstrated by measures both executive and legislative, the value of which are clearly evidenced in the present high state of readiness and efficiency of the United States Fleet and of the entire Naval Establishment. The extraordinary qualities of leadership and administrative ability that have marked his tenure as the highest ranking officer in the Navy have been exemplified throughout his entire Naval career.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
AdmiralAction Date:
February 1, 1946 – January 20, 1949
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral William Daniel Leahy, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States and concurrently as Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1 February 1946 to 20 January 1949. Eminently qualified by his experience in military affairs, administrative ability, and successful statesmanship as governor and ambassador in the field of government and international affairs, Fleet Admiral Leahy, by his deep wisdom and judgment, contributed in great measure to the successful prosecution of a war of magnitude unprecedented in the history of the world. His supreme loyalty to his country and his appreciation of its place in world affairs, supplemented by his fundamental concern in the welfare of humanity as a whole, transcended his already vast knowledge of military affairs to culminate in statesmanship beyond that required of any Naval officer in our history. A champion of democracy and respecter of sovereignty, defender of independence, and humanitarian in his recognition of peoples’ needs and rights, the great accomplishments attained in consequence of Fleet Admiral Leahy’s guidance bring to him unparalleled distinction. His service to the Commander in Chief, the Nation and humanity, exemplary in its brilliance and accomplishment, reflects the highest credit upon Fleet Admiral Leahy and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.