Vernon L. "Rebel" Lowrance
Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy

Vernon L. Lowrance was born in 1909 in Catawba, NC.

Lowrance graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1930. After graduation he served on the submarine USS California in the Asiatic Station, the USS Bushnell in the Atlantic, the USS Kingfish, USS Sea Dog, USS Rockbridge and the USS Macon.

During World War II, Lowrance commanded the Submarine USS Kingfish in a confrontation with the Japanese troop transport Takachiho Maru. During the exchange of fire, the Kingfish torpedoed the Takachiho causing it to sink. From 9 September 1942 to November 1942, the Kingfish was engaged in continuous action with enemy ships. The Kingfish attacks resulted in the sinking of 11,958 tons of enemy shipping and severe damaging of 10,100 tons. For this service, he was awarded the Navy Cross.

Several years later, Lowrance was appointed as Commander Cruiser Division Three and Commander Training Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He next served as the Director of Naval Intelligence from September of 1960 to June of 1963 which included the Cuban Missile Crisis.

On 1 September 1964, he became the Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet and continued in that command until 1966. He next reported to Washington, DC, where he served as Deputy Director of the Defense intelligence Agency.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2 Awards)
Silver Star Medal (3 Awards)
Bronze Star Medal (2 Awards)

Death and Burial

Vice Admiral Vernon L. Lowrance died in 1995. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.