William L. Calhoun (admiral)

William Lowndes Calhoun (July 13, 1884 – October 20, 1963) was a United States Navy officer who served in World War I and World War II, eventually attaining the rank of Admiral during World War II.

William L. Calhoun
Birth nameWilliam Lowndes Calhoun
Born(1884-07-13)July 13, 1884
Palatka, Florida
DiedOctober 20, 1963(1963-10-20) (aged 79)
Place of burial
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1906-1946
Rank Admiral
Commands held
Battles/wars
AwardsNavy Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (2)

Early years

William Lowndes Calhoun was a native of Palatka, Florida. He joined the U.S. Navy in about 1902, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1906.

Calhoun served in various assignments until 1915 when he qualified as a submariner. He then commanded a submarine division; served on the battleships USS Mississippi and USS Maryland; commanded the destroyer USS Young from 1921 until it ran aground in the 1923 Honda Point Disaster; and commanded a destroyer division.

His shore assignments between 1915 and 1937 included service as Inspector of Ordnance at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, training at the Naval War College, and duties at the San Diego Naval Base.

From about 1937 to about 1939 he served as Commanding Officer of the battleship USS California. From December 1939 he served as Commander Base Force, Pacific Fleet. On 27 February 1942 his title changed to Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet (ComServPac). He served in this capacity until the 13 March 1945 when he was assigned to command the South Pacific Area. He served in this capacity until October 1945.

Retirement

Calhoun retired on 1 December 1946. He died in 1963 at a naval hospital.[1]

He was a great-grandson of U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun.

Decorations and awards
  • Submarine Warfare Insignia
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See also

References/ Sources
  1. "Adm. William L. Calhoun Dies; Directed Pacific Service Force; Praised After Trial". The New York Times. 21 October 1963.
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