Graduated as a passed midshipman in the Naval Academy class of 1895, Admiral William H. Standley has enjoyed a career of unusual length and distinction. On July 1, 1933, he was appointed Chief of Naval Operations with the rank of Admiral for a period of four years. During this time he was a delegate to the London Naval Conference and initiated the so-called Vinson-Trammell bill, which provided for building and maintaining the Navy at treaty strength. On January 1, 1937, Admiral Standley was transferred to the retired list, at his own request, after completion of 40 years’ service.
Recalled to active duty, he was U. S. Naval member of the special War Supply Mission to Russia, then served as a member of the Roberts Commission to investigate and report the facts relating to the attack made by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor, and in 1942 was appointed U. S. Ambassador to Soviet Russia. Returning from Russia in 1943, Admiral Standley was again recalled to active duty and served in the Office of Strategic Services. He has also been President of the Military Order of World Wars.
