Earl E. Stone

Earl Everett Stone (December 2, 1895 - September 24, 1989) was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He is most noted for being the first director of Armed Forces Security Agency, the predecessor to the National Security Agency.

Early Life and Career
Earl Everett Stone was born on December 2, 1895 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stone attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated on June 29, 1917. He was also commissioned an Ensign on that date. He served also with the U.S. Navy during World War I.

From March 1919 until June 1923, Stone served as aide and radio officer on the staff of Commander Base Force, Pacific Fleet. In June 1925, Stone attended the Naval Postgraduate School and earned his Master of Science degree in Communications engineering.

Later, Stone would be sailing aboard the USS Ohio (BB-12) when it and two other dreadnoughts became the first to sail through the Panama Canal. During World War I, he served aboard the USS Cleveland (C-19).

World War II
Stone was serving as the Executive Officer of the USS California (BB-44) on December 7, 1941 when it was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The vessel would later be raised and salvaged would play an active role in World War II. Stone was promoted and transferred to become the first Commanding Officer of the USS Wisconsin (BB-64). He would remain in the capacity until 1945, at which time he was succeeded by John W. Roper.

Following the war, Stone would be named Chief of Naval Communications and Commandant of the Naval Postgraduate School before retiring in 1957. He died in 1989.

Awards he received include the Legion of Merit with award star.

Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Rear Admiral Earl E. Stone: