Stanley Martyn Haight
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Stanley Martyn Haight was born on 27 October 1896 in NE.

Haight graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1918. In 1937, he was the Commanding Officer of the USS Alden.

During World War II, he was serving as Relief Group Beachmaster on the Blue and Orange Beaches during the assault on Leyte, Philippine Islands, after the regular Beachmaster had been incapacitated. On 20 October 1944 while the 43rd Infantry Division was landing on the beaches, it became so congested as to practically bring operations to a stand-still and gave doubt to the success of the uploading and sailing of transports in advance of the arrival of two powerful Japanese Task Forces.

Haight was detached from his Command as Transport Division Commander and ordered to assume the duties of Group Beachmaster. His leadership in reorganizing and directing both the Shore and Beach Parties in the area together with rounding up of mechanical equipment necessary, restored the situation and were principally responsible for the completion of uploading and the sailing of transport by 24 October 1944 prior to the arrival of the enemy forces. During the operation the Theatre was under constant enemy fire and frequent air bombing and strafing attacks. For his actions during this engagement, he was awarded the Silver Star.

Haight was also credited with inventing the Haight Fist Gun which he patented on 29 February 1944. The gun was to be worn when other arms were not being carried by a soldier who may be distracted with another duty or asleep. The idea was that the gun would be worn loaded and that when a fist was made an opponent was successfully punched, it would activate the weapon and fire the cartridge. The gun was a plunger activated weapon, attached to the back of a leather glove.

Haight retired as a Rear Admiral.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Stanley Martyn Haight died on 20 May 1975 in Afton, WY. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.