Ghormley, Ralph M., RADM

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret). Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1949.

Raised in Rochester, MN, Ralph entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945, graduated with the Class of 1949 in June, received a Bachelor of Science degree, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard USS ORLECK (DD-866) for 18 months before attending Submarine School.

From 1951-55, he served in the submarines SEA FOX and HARDHEAD. In 1957 after completing post graduate education in Command Communications, he served on the Staff of Commander Submarine Squadron Five and in the submarines RATON, and SEA FOX. After completing Nuclear Power Training in 1961, he reported to the BARB (SSN-596) as Executive Officer. In 1963 he assumed command of the nuclear attack submarine SCORPION (SSN-589) and while so serving, he was twice awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for outstanding performance of duty. In August 1965 he assumed command of the Polaris submarine SAM RAYBURN (SSBN-636), after which he commanded Submarine Division Fifty-Three for one year before his assignment as PCO, L.Y. SPEAR (AS-36).

In 1971, he was assigned as Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics Management on the staff of Commander, Submarine Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet. In June 1973, he was designated as Rear Admiral while providing Naval Control of Shipping support for the Commander, U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 1975, he was assigned as the Deputy Commander, Planning, Programming and Resources Management Directorate of the Naval Electronic Systems Command in Washington, DC.

In 1976, RADM Ghormley was assigned as Deputy Director, Operations for the Defense Communications Agency in Washington. Following this tour, he briefly served as an Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, before assignment as the Commander, Naval Telecommunications Command, Washington, DC. He retired from the Navy on 1 October 1983.

RADM Ghormley's awards include the Legion of Merit with Gold Star (in lieu of second award), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with one Gold Star (in lieu of the second award), the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the China Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with "ASIA" Clasp, the National Defense Medal with one Bronze Star (in lieu of second award), the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. He also received various other awards, letters of commendation and appreciation.

After retiring from Naval Service in 1983, RADM Ghormley pursued interests in the Defense Industry around Washington, DC, until his final retirement in 1994.

At the time of his death from a heart attack, he lived in Mc Lean, VA.

Rear Admiral Ghormley was predeceased by his first wife, Sara (McKnight). He later married, and is survived by his wife, Marlene, the widow of his USNA classmate, Frank Sherman. Also surviving are: sister, Betty Baker; children of his first marriage, daughter Ruth Hienerman, son Ralph; and two grandchildren.

Ralph's retirement years were spent in service to the Class of 1949 as President for 5 years and the last 14 years as Class Secretary, in addition to associated tasks. His other service was in: St Andrews Society, American Legion, Order of the Carabao, Returned Services League, and as a Docent at the U.S. Navy Museum.

A celebration of life will be held at a time to be announced. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ralph's memory to a charity of your choice.