Lyal A. Davidson

Lyal Ament Davidson (2 December 1886 – 29 December 1950) was a Vice admiral of the United States Navy who served in World War I and World War II. He was a two time recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was also the namesake of .

Biography Lyal Ament Davidson was born 2 December 1886 in Muscatine, Iowa to Colonel Joseph T. Davidson (US Army) and Judith (Ament) Davidson. After attending Muscatine High School, he was appointed a Midshipman in 1906. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1910 and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1912, after two years at sea.

Assigned to , Davidson received a commendation for service while on the landing force during the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914.

During World War II, Davidson took command of Cruiser Division 8 using as his flagship. He received one Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during the November 1942 invasion of North Africa, in Morocco.

He received a Legion of Merit for command of a task force during the invasion of Italy in 1943.

He received a second Navy Distinguished Service Medal for command of Task Force 86, aboard , during the 1944 invasion of Southern France.

He received a second Legion of Merit for his meritorious service in World War II.

Awards and honors Distinguished Service Medal (United States Navy) (2) Legion of Honour, France