Ralph Hungerford

Ralph Waldo Hungerford (April 21, 1896 – February 20, 1977) was a United States Navy Captain, and the governor of American Samoa from January 27, 1945, to September 3, 1945. He was born April 21, 1896, in Windsor, New York, but moved to Rhode Island later in life. He received appointment to the United States Naval Academy on June 17, 1915. During World War II, he served on the staff of Rear Admiral Adolphus Andrews in defense of the East Coast of the United States; he specialized in antisubmarine warfare. He was awarded the Legion of Merit on January 14, 1943.[1] Hungerford became governor on January 27, 1945, and faced the daunting task of restoring the island to a pre-Pacific War economy. He died in 1977 in Pennsylvania.

Ralph Waldo Hungerford
Governor of American Samoa
In office
January 27, 1945 – September 3, 1945
Preceded byAllen Hobbs
Succeeded bySamuel Canan
Personal details
BornApril 21, 1896
Windsor, New York
Died22 February 1977(1977-02-22) (aged 79)
Abington, Pennsylvania
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
OccupationNaval officer
AwardsLegion of Merit
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy Seal United States Navy
Rank Captain
CommandsCommander, Anti-submarine warfare - Atlantic Ocean
Battles/warsWorld War II

Life

Hungerford was born April 21, 1896, in Windsor, New York.[2] At the time of his appointment as governor, his legal residence was in Rhode Island.[3] He died on February 20, 1977, in Abington, Pennsylvania.[2]

Hungerford was admitted to the United States Naval Academy on June 17, 1915, from Pennsylvania, graduating in 1919.[4] He served on the staff of Rear admiral Adolphus Andrews, Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier, who had been entrusted with the defense of the Atlantic Coast in 1941. Hungerford was placed in charge of antisubmarine warfare.[5]

Governorship

Hungerford became Governor of American Samoa on January 27, 1945, relieving Allen Hobbs of the post and serving until September 3, 1945.[2] (From 1905 to 1951, US Naval commanders were appointed to the position.) As governor, Hungerford successfully requested the removal of the sonobuoys from Pago Pago Harbor.[2] His main goal during his term was to return the islands to domestic economy and routine, converting them from the vital wartime centers they had been in the Pacific War. Among his challenges were cutting unemployment, restoring the copra industry, revitalizing the fishing industry, and re-opening schools closed during World War II.[6] He often held meetings with the native chiefs. They made requests for new roads and projects, and voiced their concerns about island affairs.[6]

References
  1. "Ralph Hungerford - Recipient -".
  2. "Captain Ralph Waldo Hungerford". Governors. Government of American Samoa. 2010. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  3. United States Civil Service Commission (1947). Official Register of the United States. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. p. 135. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  4. Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and Reserve Officers on Active Duty. Bureau of Naval Personnel. 1918. p. 260. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  5. Hickam, Homer (1996). Torpedo Junction: U-Boat War Off America's East Coast, 1942. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 4–5. ISBN 1-55750-362-1. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
  6. Doyle, Robert (21 March 1945). "Samoa Faces Peace Change: War Passes Island By". Milwaukee Journal. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Journal Communications. p. 8. Retrieved 2 May 2010.
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