Herbert F. Leary
Herbert Fairfax Leary (May 31, 1885 – December 3, 1957) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of vice admiral. A son of Rear Admiral Richard P. Leary, he distinguished himself during World War I while on the staff of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe under Admiral William Sims and received the Navy Cross, the United States Navy's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.
Herbert Fairfax Leary | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 31, 1885 Washington, D.C., US |
| Died | December 3, 1957 (aged 72) Newport, Rhode Island, US |
| Buried | United States Naval Academy Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1905-1946 |
| Rank | Vice admiral |
| Commands held | Eastern Sea Frontier Battleships, Pacific Cruisers, Battle Force USS Portland |
| Battles/wars | Occupation of Cuba World War I World War II
|
| Awards | Navy Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) |
| Relations | RADM Richard P. Leary (father) |
Leary remained in the Navy following the war and held many important assignments, including command of cruiser USS Portland and later as Director of Fleet Training Division. Following the United States' entry into World War II, he already held a flag rank and commanded the ANZAC Force based in Australia. Due to disputes with General Douglas MacArthur, Leary was ordered back to the United States and served as Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier in New York City until the end of the war.
Although he retired from the Navy in early 1946, Leary remained active and served as president of the New York Maritime Academy from 1946 to 1951 during the period of the academy's transformation into the New York State Maritime College.