Charles R. Larson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles R. Larson
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Admiral Charles Larson as superintendent of the US Naval Academy
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| Born | November 20, 1936 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | July 26, 2014 (aged 77) Annapolis, Maryland, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1958–1998 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Unit | USS Sculpin (SSN-590) (XO) USS Halibut (SSN-587) (CO) Commander, Submarine Development Group One |
| Commands held | Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy U.S. Pacific Command |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal (7) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Presidential Service Badge |
| Other work | Board of Directors, Northrop Grumman Political candidate |
Charles Robert Larson (November 20, 1936 – July 26, 2014) was a highly respected Admiral in the United States Navy. He was known for his long career serving his country.
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Admiral Charles Larson's Military Career
Admiral Larson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958. This is a special school for future Navy officers. He later served twice as the leader, or Superintendent, of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
After graduating, Larson first trained to become a Naval Aviator, which means he learned to fly Navy planes. He flew the A-1H Skyraider from an aircraft carrier called the USS Shangri-La.
Later, he decided to join the Submarine Service. This meant he would serve on submarines. He trained to work with nuclear power and served on several submarines, including the USS Nathan Hale and USS Nathanael Greene.
Serving the President and Leading Submarines
Admiral Larson was the first Navy officer chosen as a White House Fellow. This is a special program where talented people work with government leaders. He also served as the Naval Aide to the President of the United States from 1969 to 1971. This was a very important role, helping the President with Navy matters.
After his time at the White House, he returned to sea. He became the executive officer of the nuclear submarine USS Sculpin. From 1973 to 1976, he was the commanding officer of the nuclear submarine USS Halibut. He then led the Navy's deep underwater exploration program.
Becoming a Four-Star Admiral
In 1990, Charles Larson was promoted to a four-star admiral. This is one of the highest ranks in the Navy. He became the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. This means he was in charge of all Navy ships and operations in the Pacific Ocean. After a year, he was chosen by the President to lead the entire United States Pacific Command (CINCPAC). This command covers a huge area and includes all branches of the military in the Pacific.
Admiral Larson's Awards and Honors
Admiral Larson received many important awards for his service. These awards show his bravery and leadership.
- Defense Distinguished Service Medal
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (seven times)
- Legion of Merit (three times)
- Bronze Star
- Presidential Service Badge
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Navy Unit Commendation
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
- Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation
- Order of the Rising Sun, Japan
- Order of the Crown of Thailand, Knight Grand Cross
- National Order of Merit (France), Knight
He also received special badges for his service as a submariner and a pilot.
Admiral Larson's Civilian Life
After his long and successful military career, Admiral Larson continued to serve in civilian roles.
Business and Public Service
He helped start a company called ViaGlobal Group and served on its board. He also worked on the Board of Directors for large companies like Northrop Grumman Corporation. He was involved with companies that dealt with electricity, oil, and international construction.
Admiral Larson also dedicated his time to public service. He was part of important groups like the National Academy of Sciences Committee on International Security. He also served on the Board of Regents for the University System of Maryland and helped lead the US Naval Academy Foundation.
Political Involvement
In 2002, Admiral Larson decided to run for political office. He ran for Lieutenant Governor of Maryland as a Democrat. While he did not win, it showed his continued desire to serve the public.
Boy Scouts and Legacy
Charles Larson was an Eagle Scout when he was young. This is the highest rank a Boy Scout can earn. As an adult, he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, which is a very special honor from the Boy Scouts of America.
Admiral Larson lived in Annapolis with his wife, Sally. He passed away on July 26, 2014, after battling leukemia. He was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery. He had reserved burial plots there for himself, his wife, and his close friend, Senator John McCain, and McCain's wife. When Senator McCain passed away in 2018, he was buried next to Admiral Larson. Sally Larson said, "Chuck has his wingman back now," showing their strong friendship.
Civilian Awards and Recognition
Admiral Larson also received several awards for his work outside the military:
- Paul Harris Fellow (a top award from Rotary International for public service)
- VFW National Armed Forces Award (1998)
- Navy League’s Annual Leadership Award (1998)
- “All American Citizen” by the city of Omaha, Nebraska
- Vikings of Distinction from Omaha North High School
- The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award
See also
- List of Superintendents of the United States Naval Academy
Images for kids
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Submarine Officer badge
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Silver Deterrent Patrol badge with two gold stars
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Naval Aviator Badge
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Presidential Service Badge
