Lyal A. Davidson | |
---|---|
Birth name | Lyal Ament Davidson |
Born |
Muscatine, Iowa |
December 2, 1886
Died | December 29, 1950 Bethesda, Maryland |
(aged 64)
Buried at | Arlington National Cemetery |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1912–1946 |
Rank | Vice admiral |
Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
Awards |
Navy DSM (2) Legion of Merit (2) |
Spouse(s) | Carolyn G. Davidson (1893–1980) |
Lyal Ament Davidson (2 December 1886 – 29 December 1950) was a Vice admiral of the United States Navy who served in World War I and World War II. He was a two time recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was also the namesake of USS Davidson (FF-1045).
Lyal Ament Davidson was born 2 December 1886 in Muscatine, Iowa to Colonel Joseph T. Davidson (US Army) and Judith (Ament) Davidson. After attending Muscatine High School, he was appointed a Midshipman in 1906. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1910 and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1912, after two years at sea.
Assigned to USS New Hampshire (BB-25), Davidson received a commendation for service while on the landing force during the Battle of Vera Cruz in 1914.
During World War II, Davidson took command of Cruiser Division 8 using USS Philadelphia (CL-41) as his flagship. He received one Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership during the November 1942 invasion of North Africa, in Morocco.
He received a Legion of Merit for command of a task force during the invasion of Italy in 1943.
He received a second Navy Distinguished Service Medal for command of Task Force 86, aboard USS Augusta (CA-31), during the 1944 invasion of Southern France.