James A. Greer

James Augustin Greer (February 28, 1833 – June 17, 1904) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy, who served during the Civil War.

Early years Greer was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He enlisted into the Navy on January 10, 1848, shortly before his 15th birthday, joining the sloop as a midshipman. He entered the United States Naval Academy in 1853, and graduated as a passed midshipman the following year. After participating in the Paraguay Expedition, he cruised the west African coast until the outbreak of the Civil War. and was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery two days later.

Namesakes The destroyer was named for him. Several Tom Clancy novels feature a Vice Admiral James Greer, who is the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence.