Wilson Brown, Jr. | |
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(L-R): The Earl of Athlone, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Rear Admiral Wilson Brown, William Lyon Mackenzie King (at podium) at Ottawa, 25 August 1943
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Born |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
April 27, 1882
Died | January 2, 1957 New Haven, Connecticut |
(aged 74)
Allegiance | United States |
Service/branch | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1902–1945 |
Rank | Vice Admiral |
Commands held |
USS Parker USS California Task Force 11 |
Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
Awards |
Navy Cross Navy Distinguished Service Medal |
Wilson Brown, Jr. (27 April 1882 – 2 January 1957) was a vice admiral of the United States Navy who served in World War I and World War II. Brown turned 60 in April 1942, making him one of the oldest American naval officers to serve in combat during World War II.
Brown, born in Philadelphia on 27 April 1882, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1902 standing 44th in a class of 59.
During World War I he served on the staff of Admiral William S. Sims in London, and commanded the destroyer Parker.
In 1921 he completed the Naval War College course and was promoted to the rank of commander; he then served as the executive officer of the battleship Colorado, before becoming aide to Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. In 1929 he was appointed Commander of the New London Submarine Base, and was promoted to captain in 1932, taking command of the battleship California.
In 1934 he became chief of staff of the Naval War College, and in 1936 he achieved flag rank as rear admiral, and was appointed commander of the Training Squadron Scouting Force (Atlantic Fleet). On 1 February 1938, he became Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. On 1 February 1941, Brown assumed duty as Commander Scouting Force (Pacific Fleet) with the brevet rank of vice admiral.