Emory S. Land

Career During World War I, he served on the Board of Devices and Plans connected with Submarines in Warfare, the Board of Standardization of Submarines, and the staff of Admiral William S. Sims, who commanded all U.S. naval forces in European waters.

Land played a key role in the design of the S-class submarines from 1917 to 1919, the United States Navy's first attempt to build a submarine capable of operating with the battle fleet. Land was vice chairman of the Navy's postwar V-boat Plans Committee in 1920. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his work on submarine design and construction and for work in the war zone.

Interwar years and World War II In July 1922, Land qualified as a naval aviation observer in Pensacola, Florida. Land subsequently earned a private pilot's license at the age of 49. His interest in aviation was partly spurred by his wife's cousin Charles Lindbergh.

From October 1, 1932, until April 1, 1937, Land was Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repair. In this position, he played a major role in submarine development leading to the highly successful fleet boats of World War II.

Land retired as a rear admiral in 1937, but on February 18, 1938, he became Chairman of the U.S. Maritime Commission, overseeing the design and construction of the more than 4,000 Liberty ships and Victory ships that flew the U.S. flag during World War II. Land concurrently served as Administrator of the War Shipping Administration (WSA), established by Executive Order 9054 on February 7, 1942. Thus Land exercised authority over both construction and allocation of non-combatant maritime assets to Army, Navy and commerce. In July 1944, he was advanced to vice admiral on the retired list by a special act of Congress.

Land was also instrumental in overseeing the establishment of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, New York as a commissioning source for officers entering the Merchant Marine and Naval Reserve in World War II. Land Hall, located at the Academy, is named in his honor.

Post-war activities On January 15, 1946, Land resigned as Chairman of the U.S. Maritime Commission. For his outstanding services he was rewarded with both the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal by the War Department.

Later life and death Land served as President of the Air Transport Association of America from 1946 to 1957 and worked as a consultant for General Dynamics Corporation until his death in November 1971 at age 92. He lived in Washington, D.C., and continued to walk several miles daily, but died at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Land was buried beside his wife at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.

Awards and decorations

Land's personal decorations include: Navy Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Spanish Campaign Medal World War I Victory Medal with Submarine Clasp American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) 1921 Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) 1945 Commander of the Legion of Honour 1947 Grand Officer Second Class Polonia Restituta presented by Polish Government in Exile Philippine Legion of Honor Honorary Doctor of Laws Honorary Graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy

Legacy The submarine tender is named for him. His uniform is on display aboard the SS American Victory.