James R. Tryon

James Rufus Tryon
James Rufus Tryon
Born	(1837-09-24)September 24, 1837 Coxsackie, New York
Died	20 March 1912(1912-03-20) (aged 74) New York City
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1863–1899
Rank	Rear Admiral
Battles/wars	American Civil War

James Rufus Tryon (September 24, 1837 – March 20, 1912) was a medical doctor serving in the United States Navy during and after the American Civil War, who went on to become Surgeon General of the United States Navy. His great grandson LtGen Richard Tryon is the current Commander, United States Marine Corps Forces Command.

Tryon, born in Coxsackie, New York, attended Union College where he was graduated in 1858 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and membership in The Kappa Alpha Society. He then obtained his M. D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania with additional study at the Ecole de Medecin in Paris, France. He was appointed an Acting Assistant Surgeon (Volunteer) on March 17, 1863. After serving briefly at the United States Naval Hospital in New York City, Tryon spent the last two years of the Civil War at Pensacola, Florida, caring for sick and wounded officers and men of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron.

After duty ashore in Boston and Washington, Tryon served in USS Idaho on the Asiatic Squadron from February 4, 1870, to December 9, 1872. Next came an assignment in New York City from 1873 to 1876. Following two years in USS Swatara on the North Atlantic Squadron, he was transferred to USS Vandalia. Next came duty in New York City for two and a half years, and service in USS Alaska on the Pacific Squadron until 1883. He served on board USS Quinnebaug on the European Squadron and off Africa until 1887, when he was assigned to the Medical Examining Board in New York.