Otto Dowling
| Otto Carl Dowling | |
|---|---|
| 25th Governor of American Samoa | |
|
In office April 17, 1934 – January 15, 1936 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas Latimore |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Benjamin Fitzpatrick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 28, 1881 |
| Died | 14 April 1946 (aged 65) Trumbull, Connecticut |
| Alma mater | United States Naval Academy |
| Occupation | Naval officer |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Rank |
 Captain
|
| Commands | Naval arsenal at Iona Island; Lake Denmark Powder Depot |
Otto Carl Dowling (February 28, 1881 – April 14, 1946) was a United States Navy Captain, and the 25th Governor of American Samoa from April 17, 1934 to January 15, 1936. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1903. Dowling served in World War I, before retiring. He was re-commissioned in World War II, serving as the commander of a naval ammunition depot on Iona Island in New York. He commanded the Lake Denmark Powder Depot, and was in charge when lightning struck the location, causing a large explosion of millions of dollars' worth of ammunition. A board of inquiry recommended him for the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in the situation.
As Governor, he discriminated against the Samoan people, believing they had little ability to plan or administer, and were generally lazy. He abandoned a project on the island to train people in agricultural and sawmill skills. He shut down some local occupational training facilities, and outlawed the sale of alcohol to men under 18, and to all women. He died on April 14, 1946 in Trumbull, Connecticut after he suffered a heart attack while driving.
Dowling attended the United States Naval Academy from New York, beginning in 1898 and graduating in 1903. Dowling served in both World War I, where he obtained his Captain rank. Soon after the war, he retired from the United States Navy, but returned to active duty in World War II, and was placed in command of the Naval arsenal on Iona Island. He served as the senior member of the Naval Alaskan Coal Commission.
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