Lyal A. Davidson
United States Navy admiral
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Lyal Ament Davidson (2 December 1886 – 29 December 1950) was a Vice admiral of the United States Navy who served in World War I and World War II. He was a two time recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was also the namesake of USS Davidson (FF-1045).
December 2, 1886
Lyal A. Davidson | |
|---|---|
Grave at Arlington National Cemetery | |
| Born | Lyal Ament Davidson December 2, 1886 |
| Died | December 29, 1950 (aged 64) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch |  United States Navy |
Service years | 1912–1946 |
Rank |  Vice admiral |
Conflicts | World War I World War II |
| Awards |    |
| Spouse | Carolyn G. Davidson (1893–1980) |
Biography
Lyal Ament Davidson was born 2 December 1886 in Muscatine, Iowa to Colonel Joseph T. Davidson (US Army) and Judith (Ament) Davidson. After attending Muscatine High School, he was appointed a Midshipman in 1906. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1910 and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1912, after two years at sea.[1]
Assigned to USS New Hampshire (BB-25), Davidson received a commendation for service while on the landing force during the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914.[1][2][3]
During World War II, Davidson took command of Cruiser Division 8 using USS Philadelphia (CL-41) as his flagship. He received one Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during the November 1942 invasion of North Africa, in Morocco.[4]
He received a Legion of Merit for command of a task force during the invasion of Italy in 1943.[5]
He received a second Navy Distinguished Service Medal for command of Task Force 86, aboard USS Augusta (CA-31), during the 1944 invasion of Southern France.[6]
He received a second Legion of Merit for his meritorious service in World War II.[5]
After October 1944, he served in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations and then the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee. He retired as a Vice Admiral in June 1946 and lived in Washington DC. Davidson died after a lengthy illness at Bethesda Naval Hospital on 29 December 1950. He was survived by his wife and three children.[1] He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 4 January 1951, section 2, grave 4695-A. His wife Carolyn was buried there as well, after her death in 1980.[7]
Awards and honors
- Distinguished Service Medal (United States Navy) (2)[1]
- Legion of Merit (2)[1]
- Honorary Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), United Kingdom[8]
- Legion of Honour, France[1]
- On 7 December 1965, USS Davidson (FF-1045) was commissioned and was named in his honor.[1][9]