Maurice Franklin "Mickey" Weisner

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Maurice Franklin Weisner was born on 20 November 1917 in Knoxville, TN. A native of Knoxville, he attended the University of Tennessee before being appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1937 and graduating in 1941.

During his 38-year naval career, Weisner surpassed any possible dreams he could have had by achieving some great milestones in his career.

He served in World War II as a naval aviator aboard the USS Wasp (CV-7) until it was sunk in September 1942. He commanded the USS Kitty Hawk during the Viet Nam War, taking command of her on 20 September 1965. On 10 March 1970, Vice Admiral Weisner was appointed Commander of the United States 7th Fleet based in Yokosuka, Japan. He held that position until June of 1971.

On 1 September 1972, he was promoted to the four-star rank of Admiral and was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) from 1972-73. He served as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) from 1973-76 and was Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Command (CINCPAC) from 1976-79.

In August of 1979, Admiral Weisner was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Operations in the Pacific until his retirement in November 1979. The Pacific Command is the supreme Military authority for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the U.S. with only the President and his council of Joint Chiefs of Staff holding greater authority.

Medals and Awards

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Army Distinguished Service Medal

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

Navy Distinguished Service Medal (4 Awards)

Legion of Merit (2 Awards)

Distinguished Flying Cross (2 Awards)

Air Medal (6 Awards)

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "Valor " Device

Badges

Naval Aviator Badge

Weisner was also awarded five unit commendations; various campaign and service medals; and medals and awards from Japan, Republic of Korea, Republic of Vietnam, Philippine Republic, Kingdom of Thailand and the United Nations.

Honors

As the senior active duty naval aviator, he received the Gray Eagle Award.

In Retirement

After his retirement from a fulfilling naval career, he was appointed President of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at the Pensacola Florida Naval Museum and was inducted into the Museum's Hall of Fame in 1996.

Death and Burial

Admiral Maurice Franklin Weisner died on 15 October 2006 at his home in Pensacola, FL, at age 88. He is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.