Leigh Noyes

Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906, he won the Navy Cross while serving as Flag Secretary and Fleet Communication Officer of the Atlantic Fleet during World War I. He was also decorated with the Russian Order of Saint Stanislaus, 3rd Class for the saving of Russian refugees from a sinking boat in the Black Sea.

In 1934, he took over command of the USS Richmond. In 1937 he completed flight training and took command of USS Lexington. In 1938, he was appointed as Chief of staff, Aircraft, Battle Force.

At the time war broke out in 1941, Rear Admiral Noyes was Director of Naval Communications in Washington and was accused of not passing along the "Bomb Plot" intercept of 9 October 1941 indicating that the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu was under instructions to report ship locations in Pearl Harbor. In March 1942, he was sent to Pearl Harbor servicing as Admiral Halsey's shore administrator. He was considered to replace Halsey for Midway but instead Admiral Raymond A. Spruance was selected. In June 1942, he was given command of Task Force 18 and later Task Force 61 transferred his flag to USS Wasp.

After Wasp was torpedoed on September 14, 1942 he was criticized for his actions and reassigned as commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet which he held until October 1942. In 1945 he was appointed to the position of President, Board of Inspection and Survey, serving till 1946 when he retired. He was promoted to vice admiral in the retired list in 1950.

Here is the ribbon bar of Vice Admiral Leigh Noyes: