Royal R. Ingersoll II

Royal R. Ingersoll II was a prominent United States Navy admiral who played a critical role in the Atlantic Ocean theater during World War II. He commanded the United States Atlantic Fleet during the pivotal early years of the Battle of the Atlantic, overseeing the protection of vital Allied shipping lanes. His later command of the United States Tenth Fleet was instrumental in the Allied victory over the German U-boat threat.

Early life and education

Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Rear Admiral Royal R. Ingersoll. He entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1901, graduating in 1905. Among his classmates were future admirals William H. P. Blandy and John H. Hoover. His early naval education and family tradition firmly established his path within the United States Department of the Navy.

Naval career

Following graduation, his initial sea duty was aboard the battleship USS ''Missouri''. He served on various vessels, including the destroyer USS ''Paulding'' and the cruiser USS ''Birmingham''. During World War I, he served as an aide to Admiral William S. Sims, commander of United States Naval Forces Europe. In the interwar period, he held important staff positions, including on the United States Navy General Board and as a naval advisor to the American delegation at the Geneva Naval Conference.

World War II service

In January 1942, he was appointed Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANT), with the rank of admiral. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, he was responsible for defending the East Coast of the United States and the vital convoy routes to the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union. He worked closely with Admiral Sir Percy Noble and later Admiral Sir Max Horton of the Royal Navy's Western Approaches Command. In May 1943, he assumed command of the newly formed United States Tenth Fleet, an anti-submarine warfare command that coordinated intelligence from OP-20-G, operations, and Allied efforts to defeat the Kriegsmarine.

Post-war service and retirement

After the surrender of Nazi Germany, the United States Tenth Fleet was disestablished. He served as the United States Navy representative on the United Nations Military Staff Committee in New York City. He retired from active duty in 1946 after over four decades of service. In retirement, he remained involved in naval affairs and was a member of the Naval Historical Foundation.

Personal life and legacy

He married Catherine Dodge, and they had three children. Following his death, he was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. His leadership during the Battle of the Atlantic was recognized with awards including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. His papers are held in the collection of the Library of Congress, contributing to the historical record of the United States Navy's role in World War II.

Category:United States Navy admirals of World War II Category:1883 births Category:1976 deaths