If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Milwaukee, WI
Last Address Maryland
Date of Passing Aug 04, 1958
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Donald Wood Loomis was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on 15 July 1895, son of Fred W. and Mrs. Jane O. (Goss) Loomis. He attended West Division High School in Milwaukee, and in 1914 entered the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, on appointment from his native state. He was graduated with the class of 1918 on 20 June 1917 (course accelerated due to national emergency) and was commissioned Ensign from that date. Through subsequent advancement he attained the rank of Captain to rank from 14 June 1942, and served in the temporary rank of Commodore from 20 October 1944 until 16 September 1945. On 30 June 1949, he was transferred to the Retired List of the US Navy and advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral, on the basis of combat awards.
In addition to the Legion of Merit with four Gold Stars in lieu of additional similar awards, each with Combat 'V,' and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat 'V,' Rear Admiral Loomis had the Victory Medal, Escort Clasp (World War One); the Yangzte Service Medal; American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with operation stars; World War II Victory Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
1946-1949, University of North Carolina NROTC (Staff)
Chain of Command Returning to the United States from the Pacific in September 1945, he had temporary duty at the Naval Observatory, Washington, DC, and in November was ordered to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he served for almost four years as Professor of Naval Science and Tactics, with additional duty as Commanding Officer of the Navy V-12 Units of the University and of the University's School of Medicine. Ending the 1949 School year he was relieved of all active duty pending his retirement on 30 June 1949.