Royal Rodney Ingersoll

Royal Rodney Ingersoll. He was a distinguished United States Navy officer who rose to the rank of vice admiral and commanded major Atlantic and European fleets during the Cold War. The son of Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll, he continued a family tradition of naval service, playing key roles in World War II operations and post-war NATO maritime strategy. His career was marked by significant commands including the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea and the Second Fleet in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Early life and education

Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of future Chief of Naval Operations candidate Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll. He received his early education at various schools, including the San Diego Army and Navy Academy, before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated and was commissioned as an ensign in 1927, a member of the class that also included future Admiral of the Navy Arleigh Burke. His initial training included service aboard the battleship USS *New Mexico* and instruction at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut.

Naval career

Ingersoll's interwar service established his expertise in submarine warfare. He served on several submarines, including the USS *S-48*, and completed the rigorous course at the Naval Submarine School. He later commanded the submarine USS *S-37* in the Pacific Fleet. His shore duties included an assignment to the Bureau of Navigation and as an instructor at the Naval Academy. In 1941, he was serving on the staff of the Commander, Submarines, Atlantic Fleet in New London, Connecticut, when the United States entered World War II.

World War II service

During the war, Ingersoll served with distinction in both staff and operational roles. He was first assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C., working on anti-submarine warfare plans. In 1943, he assumed command of the new destroyer escort USS *William C. Cole*, which he commissioned and led on convoy escort duties across the Atlantic Ocean. Later, he commanded Destroyer Division 120 during operations in the Pacific Theater, supporting amphibious assaults. His service earned him the Legion of Merit for his effective leadership and combat operations.

Post-war service and retirement

After the war, Ingersoll held increasingly senior commands and staff positions. He served on the faculty of the National War College and commanded Cruiser Division 6. During the Korean War, he was Chief of Staff for the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. Promoted to vice admiral, his flag commands were pivotal: he led the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea from 1959 to 1960, a critical Cold War post. He subsequently served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean and finally as Commander of the Second Fleet from 1962 to 1964, overseeing NATO exercises. He retired from active duty in 1966 after being awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his fleet leadership.

Personal life and legacy

He married Frances "Fanny" Harding, and they had three children. Ingersoll died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and was interred at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. His legacy is that of a skilled naval commander who helped shape United States Navy strategy and readiness during a tense period of the Cold War, following in the formidable footsteps of his father, Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll. The Ingersoll Hall at the Naval Submarine School is named in honor of the Ingersoll family's contributions to the Submarine Force.

Category:1905 births Category:1980 deaths Category:United States Navy vice admirals Category:United States Naval Academy alumni Category:Burials at United States Naval Academy Cemetery