John Henry Towers
John Henry Towers | |
|---|---|
Towers circa 1946 | |
| Born | January 30, 1885 Rome, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 1955 (aged 70) Jamaica, New York, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1906–1947 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Service number | 0-5891 |
| Commands | United States Pacific Fleet United States Fifth Fleet Second Fast Carrier Task Force Task Force 38 USS Langley (CV-1) USS Mugford (DD-105) USS Saratoga (CV-3) |
| Conflicts | Occupation of Cuba World War I World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit NC-4 Medal |
| Relations | Herbert D. Riley (son-in-law) |
| Other work | President, Pacific War Memorial President, Flight Safety Council |
John Henry Towers CBE (January 30, 1885 – April 30, 1955) was a highly decorated United States Navy four-star admiral and pioneer naval aviator. He made important contributions to the technical and organizational development of naval aviation from its beginnings, eventually serving as Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics (1939–1942). He commanded carrier task forces during World War II, and retired in December 1947. He and Marc Mitscher were the only early Naval Aviation pioneers to survive the hazards of early flight to remain with naval aviation throughout their careers. Towers spent his last years supporting aeronautical research and advising the aviation industry.