William R. Furlong

William Rea Furlong (May 26, 1881 - June 2, 1976) was United States Navy Rear admiral during World War II, who served as the Chief of Naval Ordnance from 1937 to 1941. After Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor, Furlong was tasked with the salvaging and repairing of the sunken U.S. ships.

Early years
William Rea Furlong was born on May 26, 1881 in the town of Allenport, Pennsylvania as a son of William Allen Furlong and Ethel Grant Furlong. Furlong attended the Normal School in California, Pennsylvania, where he earned his teaching degree. He subsequently worked as a teacher for almost two years. In 1901, he was recommended for the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Furlong graduated in 1905 with the rank of Ensign and was assigned to the armored cruiser USS Maryland.

In 1910, Furlong was appointed a Commander of the protected cruiser USS Chicago, which was posted as the reserve of the Massachusetts Naval Militia. He served in this capacity until 1912, when he attended the Columbia University, New York and graduated with the Master of Science degree in electrical and radio engineering in 1914. He also participated in the Veracruz Expedition in Mexico.

World War I
After his graduation, Furlong was appointed a Fleet radio officer and aide on the staff of the commander-in-chief, United States Atlantic Fleet under the command of Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher. During the next year, Furlong served on the board of battleships USS South Carolina and USS Nevada.

Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Rear admiral William R. Furlong: