Walter Cleveland Cowles

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Walter Cleveland Cowles was born on 11 July 1853 in Farmington, CT.

He entered the U.S. Naval Academy at the age of sixteen and graduated in 1873. As Captain of USS Kentucky (BB-6), he sailed around the world with the Great White Fleet in 1908-1909. He Commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet from 1913 to 1914 and the U.S. Asiatic Fleet from 1914 to 1915.

In March 1915, Cowles became one of the first four-star Admirals in the history of the U.S. Navy when the three Commanders-in-Chief of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Asiatic Fleets were all advanced to the temporary rank of Admiral while so serving. Upon relinquishing command of the Asiatic Fleet in June 1915, Cowles reverted to his permanent rank of Rear Admiral.

Cowles retired from the Navy in August 1915.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Walter Cleveland Cowles died in Redlands, CA, on 27 November 1917. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Farmington, Hartford County, CT.