Vernon L. Lowrance

Vernon Long "Rebel" Lowrance (April 19, 1909 – May 12, 1995) was a United States Navy officer who served as a submarine commander during World War II and later became director of the Office of Naval Intelligence. Promoted to vice admiral, he commanded Submarine Force Atlantic and then served as deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Early life and education Lowrance was born and raised in Catawba, North Carolina. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1926, graduating in 1930. Transferred to the Pacific theatre, he commanded Kingfish and on seven successful combat patrols. Credited with sinking 56,000 tons of Japanese shipping, He was then given command of Submarine Division 121. his promotion became permanent on July 1, 1949. From April 1955 to November 1956, he served as commander of the cruiser . Lowrance also served as interim commander of the attack transport for three weeks in July 1955.

Promoted to rear admiral effective August 1, 1957, Lowrance served as director of the Office of Naval Intelligence from September 1960 to June 1963.

Promoted to vice admiral effective August 31, 1964, Lowrance served as commander of Submarine Force Atlantic from September 1964 to November 1966 and as deputy director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from November 1966 until his retirement in October 1969. He received a Navy Distinguished Service Medal for each of these assignments.