Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Lee
Ghormley
October 15, 1883

–

June 21, 1958

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Robert Ghormley graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1906. As a Vice Admiral, he was known throughout the Navy as a planner and in 1940 was an observer in London, described in the press as a “mystery man,” he “kept his eyes open and his mouth shut.” His mission was unprecedented, since the U.S. Navy had never employed such a high-ranking observer while still at peace. In March 1942, he left his diplomatic post for a more active one in the South Pacific, and later in Washington, D.C. throughout the war.

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    December 1944 – December 1945
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 350 (May 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Robert Lee Ghormley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during his tour of duty as Commander Naval Forces Germany, Senior U.S. Naval Member of the Tripartite Naval Commission and senior naval member of the Group Control Council for Germany from December 1944 to December 1945. Admiral Ghormley was responsible for all activities of our naval forces in Germany. He established and directed an effective organization in carrying out the demilitarization of the German Navy and the collection of valuable intelligence material.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    Naval Overseas Transportation Service

    Action Date:

    World War I
    War Department, General Orders No. 116 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Commander Robert Lee Ghormley, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I, as Assistant Director of Overseas Division, Naval Overseas Transportation Service during World War I.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Vice Admiral

    Action Date:

    February 17, 1943 – October 24, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 346 (January 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Vice Admiral Robert Lee Ghormley, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant, FOURTEENTH Naval District and Commander Hawaiian Sea Frontier, from 17 February 1943 to 24 October 1944.