Albert Gallatin Noble

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Albert Gallatin Noble was born on 14 December 1895 in Preston, TX, to Albert G. and Sallie Wilson Noble. After graduating from Ardmore High School in Ardmore, OK, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1913. He graduated and was commissioned an Ensign on 29 March 1917, and was assigned to the battleship USS Delaware (BB-28).

In November 1921, he was accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology where in June 1923 he received a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he joined the USS Florida (BB-30) in June 1924. In September 1924, he received an appointment as Aide to the Commander of the USS Procyon (AG-11). In July 1930, he joined the USS Pruitt (DD-347) for duty as Executive Officer. From June 1931 until May 1933, he served as Aide and Flag Secretary on the staff of Commander, Cruiser Division 3, Scouting Force assigned to the USS Omaha (CL-4). In 1935, he was the Commander of the USS Dallas (DD-199), and in July 1936 he became the Commander of the USS Cassin (DD-372), which he commanded from 21 August 1936 until June 1937.

During World War II, Gallatin was Commander of Aitape Attack Force in April 1944; commanded a Naval Attack Group during the battle of Wakde in May 1944; and was Commander of Amphibious Group Eight, during operations against enemy forces in Mindanao and Balikpapan in mid-1945.

Upon his retirement on 1 October 1951, he was advanced in rank to four-star Admiral. *

* The Act of Congress of 4 March 1925, allowed Navy officers to be promoted one grade upon retirement if they had been specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat. These promotions were colloquially known as "tombstone promotions" because they conferred the prestige of the higher rank but not the additional retirement pay, so their only practical benefit was to allow recipients to engrave a loftier title on their business cards and tombstones. An Act of Congress on 23 February 1942, enabled tombstone promotions to three- and four-star grades.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal

Personal

He was married to Madeline Martin. They had one daughter.

Death and Burial

Admiral Albert Gallatin Noble died on 22 February 1980 in Washington, DC. He was buried in the United States Naval Academy Cemetery, Annapolis, MD.