Admiral Yarnell was known to the service and to the country at large as one of our outstanding naval officers. Entering the Naval Academy in 1893, he served through the several grades until his retirement in 1939. His last sea duty was in command of the U. S. Asiatic Fleet from 1936 to 1939. Recalled to active service in the World War II, he was on duty in the Navy Department in Washington until his return to inactive duty in 1945.