William D. Leahy

William D. Leahy

Fleet Admiral William Daniel Leahy (May 6, 1875 – July 20, 1959) was an American naval officer, building his reputation through administration and staff work. As Chief of Naval Operations (1937–39) he was the senior officer in Navy, overseeing the preparations for war. After retiring from the Navy he was appointed by his close friend President Franklin D. Roosevelt as Governor of Puerto Rico and, in his most controversial role, as Ambassador to Vichy France, which was an ally of Nazi Germany, 1940-42.

Leahy was recalled to active duty as the personal Chief of Staff to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 and served in that position throughout World War II, and continued under President Harry S. Truman until finally retiring in 1949. From 1942 until retiring in 1949 he was the highest ranking member of the U.S. military, taking orders only from the President. In effect, though not in title, he was the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; he also presided over the American delegation to the Combined Chiefs of Staff. In these multiple roles he was at the center of all major American military decisions in World War II. As Fleet Admiral, Leahy was the first U.S. naval officer ever to hold a five-star rank in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The USS Leahy (DLG-16) was named in his honor.