Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.

Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr. (November 29, 1920 – January 2, 2000) was an American naval leader. As an admiral and later Chief of Naval Operations in the U.S. Navy, Zumwalt played a major part in the Vietnam War, where he personally awarded future Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry the Silver Star. A highly decorated war veteran, Zumwalt was also responsible for making major reforms to Naval personnel policies in an effort to improve enlisted life and ease racial tensions. Late in life, he launched an unsuccessful campaign for U.S. Senator.

Early life and education

Zumwalt was born in San Francisco, California, the son of Dr. E.H. Zumwalt and Dr. Frances Zumwalt. Zumwalt, an Eagle Scout, attended Tulare Union High School, where he became the valedictorian, and Rutherford Preparatory School in Long Beach. In 1939, Zumwalt was accepted to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. As a midshipman at USNA, he was president of the Trident Society, vice president of the Quarterback Society and the two-time winner of the June Week Public Speaking Contest (1940-41). Zumwalt also participated in intercollegiate debating and was the Company Commander (1941) and Regimental Three Striper (1942). He graduated with distinction and was commissioned as an ensign on June 19, 1942.

Related Topics:
San Francisco - California - Eagle Scout - Tulare - Valedictorian - Long Beach - 1939 - United States Naval Academy - Annapolis - Maryland - Midshipman - 1940 - 41 - 1942 - Commissioned - Ensign - June 19

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