Harold E. Shear

Harold Edson Shear (December 6, 1918 – February 1, 1999) was an admiral in the United States Navy.

Born in New York City, Shear graduated from the United States Naval Academy soon after December 7, 1941; (oral history, per Mrs. Elizabeth Shear, conversation with MSSN Raymond Olsen, steward, Villa Nike, residence of Adm. Harold E. Shear, Naples, Italy, 1977-1980.)

During World War II, he served on the USS Sawfish, earning a Silver Star

As a full admiral, Shear held the commands of Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CINCUSNAVEUR), 1974–1975, Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), 1975–1977, Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH), July 18, 1977 to 1980. Retiring at the age of 62 in May 1980, he later became the administrator of the United States Maritime Administration.

He died after a long illness in 1999.