Walter N. Vernou

Vice Admiral Walter Newhall Vernou (10 February 1878 – 23 May 1955) was a career officer in the United States Navy who served during the Spanish–American War, World War I and World War II.

Biography Early life Vernou was born at Fort Larned, Pawnee County, Kansas, on 10 February 1878, son of Colonel Charles Alexander Vernou of the United States Army and a veteran of the American Civil War, and Lucy Mary (Lewis) Vernou. He received his early education from Post Schools at Fort Clark and Fort Ringgold, Texas; Rush's School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Seeley's Academy, San Antonio, Texas; and Webster's and Detroit High School, in Detroit, Michigan.

Naval Academy and Spanish–American War Vernou was appointed as a Naval Cadet from 12th Congressional District of Michigan and entered the United States Naval Academy in September 1897. While a Naval Cadet he was detached from the Naval Academy during the Spanish–American War in 1898 for active duty aboard the cruiser USS Newark, and later the gunboat USS Peoria. The Newark participated in the naval blockade of Cuba during the summer of 1898 and bombarded coastal targets. He died at his residence there on 23 May 1955.

Personal Vernou married Sidney Patterson Saunders (29 December 1876 – 24 April 1954) on May 27, 1903, in Annapolis, Maryland. Her father John Selden Saunders was the 17th Adjutant General of Maryland and a former Confederate States Army officer. After their deaths, Vernou and his wife were interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Awards Navy Distinguished Service Medal Sampson Medal (USS Newark) Spanish Campaign Medal World War I Victory Medal with "Destroyer" clasp (USS Sigourney) Yangtze Service Medal (USS Pittsburgh) American Defense Service Medal with "FLEET" clasp. American Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Order of Abdon Calderón, First Class and diploma (Ecuador) Order of the Crown (Belgium).

Distinguished Service Medal citation