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First Name: John

Last Name: Hoover

Birthplace: Seville, OH, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Navy (present)

Rating:

Middle Name: Howard



Date of Birth: 15 May 1887

Date of Death: 01 December 1970

Rank or Rate: Admiral

Years Served: 1903-1948
John Howard Hoover
'Genial John'

   
Engagements:
•  World War II (1941 - 1945)

Biography:

John Howard "Genial John" Hoover

Admiral, U.S. Navy

John Howard Hoover was born on 15 May 1887 in Seville, OH.

Hoover served in World War I. During World War II he commanded the Tenth Naval District from 1941 to 1943. He commanded Task Force 57 during the Kwajalein, Mejuro, and Marshall Island landings in 1944. He then commanded the Central Pacific Forward Area, 1944-1945. 

He held several flag commands during World War II, most notably those in the Central Pacific under Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Hoover became one of Nimitz's trusted if little known admirals of the Pacific war. Hoover was known as "Genial John" behind his back because of his sour attitude.

Upon his retirement in July 1948, he was advanced in rank to four-star Admiral. *

* The Act of Congress of 4 March 1925, allowed Navy officers to be promoted one grade upon retirement if they had been specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat. These promotions were colloquially known as "tombstone promotions" because they conferred the prestige of the higher rank but not the additional retirement pay, so their only practical benefit was to allow recipients to engrave a loftier title on their business cards and tombstones. An Act of Congress on 23 February 1942, enabled tombstone promotions to three- and four-star grades.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Distinguished Service Medal (3 Awards)

Death and Burial

Admiral John Howard Hoover died on 1 December 1970. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.



Origin of Nickname/Handle:
Hoover was known as "Genial John" behind his back because of his sour attitude.

Honoree ID: 555   Created by: MHOH

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