Admiral. Born in Denton, Texas to parents who emigrated from Walenstadt, Canton St Gallen, in 1846. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1885. He developed an interest in naval gunnery and distinguished himself as a gunner in the Battle of Santiago, the major naval engagement of the Spanish-American War in 1898. During World War I he was superintendent of the Naval Academy, and in 1921 took command of the Pacific Fleet. He was appointed Chief of Naval Operations in 1923, and held the post until 1927. He died in Washington and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.