Albert Gleaves

Albert Gleaves (January 1, 1858 – January 6, 1937) was a decorated admiral in the United States Navy, also notable as a naval historian.

Biography Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Gleaves graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1877. After serving on board and , he was appointed an Ensign in 1881. Assigned to many ships and stations, he commanded during the Spanish–American War and later the battleship . Promoted to rear admiral in 1915, in World War I he commanded the Cruiser and Transport Force. For his outstanding contribution he was awarded the Army and Navy Distinguished Service Medals.

In 1919 he was promoted to Admiral and commanded the Asiatic Fleet. While serving at the Naval Ordnance Proving Ground, Admiral Gleaves made outstanding contributions in the field of gunnery and torpedoes. While carrying out some tests on torpedo steering devices he changed these weapons from instruments of luck into instruments of precision. The gear which he tested in Cushing provided the imprints which made the torpedo the "terrible weapon" of World War I.

Decorations

Namesake , a , was the lead ship of her class and named for Admiral Gleaves.

Gallery