Harris Laning

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Harris Laning was born on 18 October 1873 in Petersburg, IL. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on 7 June 1895.

Laning served in the Philippines during the Philippine insurrection, and served as Captain of the U.S. Rifle Team which won the Gold Medal in Stockholm, Sweden, at the 1912 Olympic Games. His first command was USS Cassin (DD-43), which operated off Vera Cruz during the 1914 Mexican Campaign. As Chief of Staff to Commander Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet in 1919, he supported the first successful transatlantic flight, made by Navy seaplane NC-4 in May.

As a Rear Admiral, he commanded a Battleship Division, and was President of the Naval War College in the early 1930s. As Vice Admiral, he commanded Cruisers, Scouting Force.

On 1 April 1935, he was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and Commanded Battle Force, U.S. Fleet until 20 April 1936. He was Commandant, New York Navy Yard, and 3rd Naval District from 20 April 1936 to 1 October 1937.

Admiral Laning retired from the Navy on 1 November 1937.

Medals and Awards

He was awarded the Navy Cross for distinguished service in World War I.

Honors

The Naval War College published his memoirs in 1999.

In Retirement

After retiring, he served as Governor of the Naval Home in Philadelphia, until his death.

Death and Burial

Admiral Harris Laning died on 2 February 1941. He is buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.