Darse E. Crandall, Jr.

Darse Earle Crandall Jr. (born 1962) is a retired United States Navy vice admiral who served as the 45th Judge Advocate General of the Navy from 2021 to 2024. He served as the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy and Commander of the Naval Legal Service Command from 2018 to 2021.

Early life and education Raised in Elgin, Illinois, Crandall earned a B.A. degree in economics from Northwestern University in 1984. He served aboard and USS Lockwood (FF-1064) before being selected for the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Crandall received his J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1992 and his LL.M. degree in international law from George Washington University in 1999. In 2026 he was hired as the Dean of the UND School of Law at the University of North Dakota.

Personal life Crandall is the son of Darse Earle Crandall Sr., who was a Navy Supply Corps officer. His younger sister Amy Beth Crandall is married to fellow Navy admiral Frank D. Whitworth.

Crandall married Barbara A. Puckett on December 20, 1986 in Lucas County, Ohio.

Conspiracy theories Crandall has been the subject of frequent QAnon-aligned conspiracy theories, generally published by the "Real Raw News" website, insinuating he is, in his role as Judge Advocate General, in charge of a secret military court trying and executing "Deep State" officials for supposed crimes.

Awards and decorations

Surface Warfare Officer InsigniaNavy Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clustersLegion of Merit with two award starsDefense Meritorious Service Medal with bronze oak leaf clusterMeritorious Service Medal with award starNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with award starJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with bronze service starNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service starSouthwest Asia Service Medal with bronze service starGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze service starsNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with four bronze service starsSubmarine Warfare insignia in silverCommand Ashore insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgePresidential Service Badge