Sumner Shapiro

Sumner Shapiro (January 13, 1926 – November 14, 2006) was a United States Navy rear admiral who served as Director of the Office of Naval Intelligence from 1978 to 1982.

Early life and education Shapiro was born on January 13, 1926 in Nashua, New Hampshire. He attended the University of New Hampshire before serving in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1949 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He earned a Master's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Military career Throughout the 1950s, Shapiro served in the Office of Naval Intelligence, reporting to Chief of Naval Operations Arleigh Burke, as well as serving stints in Moscow and London. He was a graduate of the Naval War College and the U.S. Army's Institute for Advanced Soviet and Eastern European Studies in Germany. He was promoted to Rear Admiral on September 1, 1976 and served simultaneously as D/DNI and commander of Naval Intelligence Command. From 1978 to 1982, he served as the 51st Director of Naval Intelligence.

During his career, Shapiro received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Shapiro had a strong influence on United States Cold War naval strategy.

Personal life Shapiro and his wife Eleanor Hymen "Jimmie" Shapiro are buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.

Memorials The National Intelligence Professionals society offers a scholarship named for RADM Sumner Shapiro.