Herbert F. Leary

Herbert F. Leary was a senior officer in the United States Navy whose career spanned four decades, including both World War I and World War II. He commanded major fleet units and held significant theater commands in the Pacific Theater. Leary is best remembered for his leadership of the Asiatic Fleet during a critical early period of the war and for his subsequent role in the South West Pacific Area.

Early life and education

Herbert Fairfax Leary was born in Washington, D.C., on 31 May 1885. He received his early education in the District of Columbia before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated and was commissioned as an ensign in 1907, joining a class that would produce many future flag officers for the United States Navy. His initial training and education were further developed through early assignments on various battleships and cruisers, providing a foundation in surface warfare and fleet operations.

Naval career

Following his commissioning, Leary served on several vessels, including the USS ''Georgia'' and the USS ''Salem''. He developed expertise in gunnery and served as a staff officer during World War I. In the interwar period, his career advanced with a mix of sea and shore duty, including command of the gunboat USS ''Cincinnati'' and the battleship USS ''New Mexico''. He also held important staff positions in Washington, D.C., and attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. His command of the aircraft carrier USS ''Saratoga'' from 1938 to 1939 was a particularly significant assignment during the interwar years.

World War II service

At the outbreak of World War II, then-Rear Admiral Leary was serving as Commander, Cruiser Division Seven, part of the United States Pacific Fleet. In early 1942, following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the dissolution of the ABDA Command, he was appointed Commander in Chief of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet, succeeding Admiral Thomas C. Hart. In this role, operating under the overall command of General Douglas MacArthur in the South West Pacific Area, he directed remaining Allied naval forces. In May 1942, he was named Commander of the ANZAC Force, later redesignated the South Pacific Force, a precursor to the major Allied forces command under Admiral William Halsey Jr.. He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during this period.

Post-war service and retirement

After his combat commands, Leary served as the Commandant of the First Naval District and the Boston Navy Yard from 1943 to 1945. His final active duty assignment was as President of the Naval Retiring Board in Washington, D.C.. He retired from active service in 1947 with the rank of vice admiral. In retirement, he remained in the Washington metropolitan area and was involved with various veterans' organizations.

Personal life and legacy

Herbert F. Leary married Mary R. Leary, and they had one daughter. He died on 3 December 1957 and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. His career is noted for its command of diverse and significant naval assets, from battleships to aircraft carriers, and for holding pivotal, if often challenging, commands during the early phases of the Pacific War. The destroyer USS ''Leary'' (DD-879) was named in his honor.

Category:United States Navy vice admirals Category:United States Naval Academy alumni Category:Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal Category:1885 births Category:1957 deaths