William D. Byrne Jr.

William Declan Byrne Jr. is a retired United States Navy rear admiral who last served as director of warfare development (N72) in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He previously served as the vice director of the Joint Staff. Byrne also served as the 85th Commandant of Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy from May 2013 to June 2015.

Byrne attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1987 with a B.S. degree in political science. While there, he was a record-setting starting quarterback for three football seasons. Byrne later earned an M.S. degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 2004.

Awards and decorations

Surface Warfare Officer PinDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with four gold award starsMeritorious Service Medal with two award starsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit CommendationNavy "E" Ribbon with two Wreathed Battle E devicesNavy Expeditionary MedalNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorea Defense Service MedalHumanitarian Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with six service starsNaval Reserve Sea Service RibbonNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with two service starsNavy Accession Training Service RibbonOrder of National Security Merit, Cheonsu Medal (Korea)Navy Expert Pistol Shot RibbonCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

In 2015, Byrne was selected as a co-recipient of the Distinguished American Award by the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame.