Giles Chester Stedman (1897-1961), Rear Admiral (United States) and a recipient of the Navy Cross, was the 2nd Superintendent of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. The son of an Ireland born stonecutter, who worked in Quincy, Massachusetts' granite quarries, Stedman enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1917 at the age of 20. He was assigned to the USCGC Ossipee (WPR-50). At outbreak of WWI, the ship and its crew were transferred to the US Navy and saw overseas action. Stedman was awarded the World War I Victory Medal for his service. In 1919, he was commissioned an ensign in the United States Naval Reserve. Stedman, thereafter, entered the merchant marine, licensed as a ship's Third mate or 3rd officer.
