Ralph Hungerford

Ralph Waldo Hungerford (April 21, 1896 – February 20, 1977) was a United States Navy captain, and the governor of American Samoa from January 27, 1945, to September 3, 1945. He was born April 21, 1896, in Windsor, New York, but moved to Rhode Island later in life. He received appointment to the United States Naval Academy on June 17, 1915. During World War II, he served on the staff of Rear Admiral Adolphus Andrews in defense of the East Coast of the United States; he specialized in antisubmarine warfare. He was awarded the Legion of Merit on January 14, 1943. Hungerford became governor on January 27, 1945, and faced the daunting task of restoring the island to a pre-Pacific War economy. He died in 1977 in Pennsylvania.

Life Hungerford was born April 21, 1896, in Windsor, New York. At the time of his appointment as governor, his legal residence was in Rhode Island. He died on February 20, 1977, in Abington, Pennsylvania. He served on the staff of Rear admiral Adolphus Andrews, Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier, who had been entrusted with the defense of the Atlantic Coast in 1941. Hungerford was placed in charge of antisubmarine warfare.

Governorship Hungerford became Governor of American Samoa on January 27, 1945, relieving Allen Hobbs of the post and serving until September 3, 1945. He often held meetings with the native chiefs. They made requests for new roads and projects, and voiced their concerns about island affairs.