Sheldon Hoard Kinney
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Sheldon Hoard Kinney was born on 27 August 1918 in Pasadena, CA.

As a 1941 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kinney saw combat service in three wars. He took command of the USS Edsall in 1943, becoming the youngest commanding officer of a destroyer.

He then took command of the USS Bronstein and was credited with sinking three German U-boats in one night and putting a fourth out of action. He went on to command the USS Ludlow and the USS Taylor during the Korean War. He also commanded the Navy's first guided missile frigate, the USS Mitscher, and served in London on the staff of the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe.

In Vietnam, he commanded the USS Mississinewa, Amphibious Squadron 12, and the naval gunfire support ships of Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla 11 in Operation Sea Dragon. His final command was as Commander Cruiser Destroyer Forces Pacific.

In 1967, he became Commandant of the U.S. Naval Academy and retired in 1972.

Medals and Honors

Navy Cross
Legion of Merit with Combat "Valor" Device (2 Awards)
Bronze Star Medal with Combat "Valor" Device
Navy Commendation Medal

In Retirement

After retiring from the Navy, he served 10 years as president of the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schulyer. He was a founder and president of the World Maritime University of the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations at Malmo, Sweden. He also served as Special Adviser to the Secretary General of the IMO in London.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Sheldon Hoard Kinney died on 11 December 2004 inAnnapolis, MD. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.