John Frederick Davidson
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

John Frederick Davidson was born on 3 May 1908 in Olean, NY.

Davidson graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 1929. After graduation he served on the battleship USS Arizona.

In 1933 he entered Submarine School and during World War II commanded the submarines USS Mackerel and USS Blackfish. He served on the Blackfish during the period of 19 October 1943 to 13 February 1944 and was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific which resulted in the numerous sinking of enemy ships. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "Valor" Device for actions as Commanding Officer of the USS Blackfish off North Africa from 20 October 1942 to July 1943.

In the early 1950's Davison was given command of the heavy cruiser USS Nautilus and later was Commander Cruiser Division and a submarine squadron. In 1960 he returned to Annapolis as Superintendent of the Naval Academy.

In 1962 Davidson became the Commander of the Pacific Fleet Training Command before retiring from active duty in 1964.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral John Frederick Davidson died on 21 January 1983 at his home in Annapolis after suffering a heart attack. He was 80 years old. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.

He was survived by his wife, the former Elizabeth Sanborn; a daughter from an earlier marriage, Diane Abbott of Huddleston, VA; two stepdaughters, Shirley Thorup of Reston, VA, and Nancy Cole of Crofton, MD; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Roscoe A. Davidson of Sun City, AZ, and Perry A. Davidson Jr. of Warren, PA, also survive.