Bruce DeMars

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Bruce DeMars was born in Chicago, IL, on 3 June 1935, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1957.

After graduation from the Academy and being commissioned as an Ensign, he initially served aboard the surface ships USS Telfair (APA-210) and USS Okanogan (APA-220) before attending Submarine School.

His first submarine assignment was the diesel USS Capitaine (SS-336). He underwent nuclear power training, followed by assignment to the nuclear-powered submarines USS George Washington (SSBN-598), USS Snook (SSN-592), and USS Sturgeon (SSN-637) before taking command of USS Cavalla (SSN-684).

His shore duty stations include being an instructor at the Nuclear Power School and Submarine School and attending the Armed Forces Staff College. After staff duty with Squadron Ten, DeMars served as Senior Member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

He commanded Submarine Development Squadron Twelve in New London, CT, and then served as Deputy Director, Attack Submarine Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, until selected for promotion to Rear Admiral in 1981.

His flag assignments include Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas/Commander, U.S. Naval Base, Guam; Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Representative for Guam and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and Deputy Assistant Chief and then Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare.

On 1 November 1988, DeMars was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and assigned as Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion and Deputy Administrator, NNSA's Naval Reactors (NAVSEA 08).

Admiral DeMars retired from the Navy on 1 October 1996. He passed away on February 2, 2024 in Alexandria, Virginia.

Medals and Awards

Navy Distinguished Service Medal

Legion of Merit (4 Awards)

Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards)

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Navy Unit Commendation

Honors

He was a recipient of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Award.

In 2011, Admiral DeMars received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his distinguished service to his country.