Louis E. Denfeld

Louis Emil Denfeld (April 13, 1891, Westborough, Massachusetts – March 28, 1972, Westborough, Massachusetts), was Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy from 15 December 1947 to 1 November 1949. He also held several significant surface commands during World War II, and after the war commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Life and Naval career
Denfeld graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912. He took command of the destroyer USS McCall (DD-28) in 1919 and served aboard the submarine USS S-24 (SS-129) during 1923 and 1924. He commanded Destroyer Division 11 from 1935 to 1937.

Denfeld was selected to be aide to the Chief of Naval Operations in 1939, then commanded first Destroyer Division 18, then Destroyer Squadron 1 from 1939 to 1941. He served as Chief of Staff to the Commander of the Atlantic fleet, Admiral Royal E. Ingersoll. For planning of safe routes for escort convoys in this capacity, Denfeld received the Legion of Merit.

Atlantic Fleet Support Force in 1941, then became assistant chief to the Bureau of Navigation in 1942. He led Battleship Division 9 in 1945, was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Personnel in 1945, and commanded Pacific Fleet and all U.S. forces in the area in 1947.

On 28 February 1947 Denfeld was named Military Governor of the Marshall Islands, Caroline Islands, and Mariana Islands, replacing Admiral John H. Towers.

Denfeld was appointed Chief of Naval Operations on 15 December 1947.

Due to his role in the "Revolt of the Admirals", he was detached from duty by the Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews on 1 November 1949, and retired in 1950.

He was a candidate for Governor of Massachusetts in 1950. He lost the Republican nomination to Arthur W. Coolidge.

Decorations
Admiral Louis E. Denfeld received a many decorations during his long navy career. Here is his ribbon bar: