Admiral John Henry Towers

John Henry Towers was born at this site on January 30, 1885. Reared in Rome, Towers graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1906. As one of the Navy's pioneer aviators, Towers set early records for flying. Preceding Charles Lindbergh's historic solo nonstop flight in 1927, Towers organized and led the first successful group trans-Atlantic air crossing in 1919. His work in training naval pilots using land planes instead of seaplanes anticipated the use of military aircraft carriers. As Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics (1939-1942), Towers organized Naval aircraft procurement prior to and during World War II. Later he served as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet. A Navy Cross and Navy Distinguished Service Medal recipient, Towers was the first career naval aviator to reach flag rank. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.