Admiral Harry Ervin Yarnell (18 October 1875 - 7 July 1959) was an American naval officer whose career spanned 51 years and three wars, from the Spanish-American War through World War II.

Early Life and Naval Career

Born near Independence, Iowa, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1893. After serving in Oregon (BB-3) during the Battle of Santiago, 3 July 1898, Yarnell was commissioned ensign 1 July 1899 and reported to the Asiatic Station. He served in the Philippines during the Aguinaldo Insurrection and on the China Station during the Boxer Rebellion.

Assignments Through World War I

From Asia Yarnell reported to Connecticut (BB-18) at her commissioning, and sailed around the world with the Great White Fleet. Next, duty at the Newport Torpedo Station , on CINOLANT 's staff, and at the Naval War College occupied him until World War I, when he served at Gibraltar and then at London, on the staff of Admiral William S. Sims.

Interwar Assignments

Yarnell then rotated between sea and shore duty until ordered to aircraft carrier Saratoga (CV-3) September 1927, as prospective commanding officer. He served as captain of the carrier from her commissioning until 17 August 1928, when he was appointed Chief of the Bureau of Engineering as Rear Admiral.

From January to April 1930 Admiral Yarnell was Naval Adviser to the American delegation at the London Naval Conference, and in October 1936 he became Commander in Chief, Asiatic Fleet, with the rank of Admiral. His tour there was notable for the sagacious and firm manner with which he handled a most explosive international situation.

World War II

After three years' service, Admiral Yarnell was transferred to the Retired List; but on 1 November 1941, as war loomed he was recalled to the office of the Secretary of the Navy as Special Adviser to the Chinese Military Mission .

Admiral Yarnell was relieved of active duty 15 January 1943 but returned in June as Head of a Special Section in the Office of Chief of Naval Operations until December 1944, when he again was relieved of active duty.

Admiral Yarnell died in 1959 at Newport, Rhode Island, his home since his retirement. Among the awards and medals earned in his long and distinguished career were the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Diploma and Decoration of the Companion of the Order of the British Empire , and the Cloud Standard , Second Class, of the Government of China.

The USS Harry E. Yarnell (DLG-17) was named in his honor.

External link

• Yarnell papers at the Naval Historical Center