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Walter
Lowry
Small
October 31, 1916

–

June 15, 2004

Walter Small graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1938. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    November 1970 – June 1973

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walter Lowry Small (NSN: 0-81340), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as Director, Politico-Military Policy Division, from November 1970 to April 1972, and as Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy) from May 1972 to June 1973. With an unusual perception of the complex relationships involved in shaping the strategic posture of the United States, Rear Admiral Small participated directly in, and made a major contribution to, the formulation of plans and policies for the security of the United States. The effectiveness of his efforts is attested to in large measure by the promptness and excellence of the military response to ever increasing and changing world-wide requirements. As a principal advisor to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations on international politico-military affairs, Rear Admiral Small exerted significant and direct influence on the composition and employment of the National Defense establishment. By his distinguished service, brilliant leadership, and dedicated efforts, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    United States Navy Submarine (SS)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Walter Lowry Small (NSN: 0-81340), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Torpedo Data Computer Operator aboard a United States Submarine during an aggressive and successful patrol against enemy Japanese in the Pacific War Area during World War II. By outstanding skill and fearless devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Small rendered invaluable assistance to the Commanding Officer in conducting a series of vigorous attacks which resulted in the sinking or damaging of an important amount of hostile shipping. His conduct throughout the duration of these actions was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral [then Captain]

    Action Date:

    August 1964 – September 1965
    Board Serial 1702 (October 14, 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral [then Captain] Walter Lowry Small (NSN: 0-81340), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service from August 1964 to September 1965, as Head of the Navy Plans Branch, Strategic Plans Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. During this period of crisis and international tension, Rear Admiral Small carried out his duties with outstanding professional competence and resourcefulness, displaying an extraordinary grasp of the factors affecting the formulation of Navy and National Strategic Plans. Through his superb leadership and extensive knowledge of all aspects of Naval warfare, he contributed materially toward enhancing the military and readiness posture of the United States and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    April 29, 1967 – June 15, 1968
    Board Serial 0380 (July 6, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walter Lowry Small (NSN: 0-81340), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commander, Middle East Forces, during the period 29 April 1967 to 15 June 1968. An outstandingly competent and resourceful leader, Rear Admiral Small provided superb direction and supervision of all elements of the Middle East Forces in a highly important area. By his superior tact and diplomacy in dealing with officials of Middle East Governments, he established and maintained excellent rapport that contributed immeasurably to the achievement of United States objectives in that area. Rear Admiral Small’s outstanding leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1968 – October 1970
    Board Serial 0277 (October 12, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Walter Lowry Small (NSN: 0-81340), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from June 1968 to October 1970. An outstandingly competent, energetic and resourceful leader, Rear Admiral Small was responsible for the administration, training, logistic support, and material readiness of the submarines in the Pacific Fleet. Additionally, he was the operational commander of most of the Pacific attack submarines and of the strategic deterrent provided by the Fleet Ballistic Missiles of the Pacific Polaris forces. Through Rear Admiral Small’s professional ability and leadership, significantly improved and innovative plans and procedures were developed and implemented to increase the effectiveness of his Force and the quality of its contributions to the performance of the Pacific Fleet. These included notable improvements in the operations, command and control, training and readiness, and economical support of his Force. Rear Admiral Small’s exemplary achievements were reflected not only in the specific performance of his command, but also in the outstanding spirit, morale and attitudes of the men and women throughout his organization. His distinguished service and accomplishments were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Walter Lowry Small (NSN: 0-81340), United States Navy, for extremely gallant and intrepid conduct as an Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), during a successful submarine war patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. Disregarding the dangers from repeated aerial bombing and severe depth-charge attacks being launched by the enemy at the time, Lieutenant Small volunteered to enter the after trim tank and direct repairs necessitated by a severe casualty to an after torpedo tube. Later, during the same patrol, acting as Officer-of-the-Deck, he faced heavy machine-gun fire by remaining on the bridge to engage an enemy patrol vessel while the FLYING FISH launched a torpedo attack. His skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.