Admiral Ernest J. King

Side A: Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King was born in Lorain, Ohio, on November 23, 1878. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1897 and later attended the United States Naval Academy. King lived by his motto, “Do all that we can with what we have.” Having the full confidence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, King was eventually promoted to Fleet Admiral and commanded the largest fleet in the history of the United States and the world. Through his career, King held various leadership positions in the United States Navy and was the first man to simultaneously hold the positions of Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations. (continued on other side) Side B: (continued from other side) A brilliant tactician, King lobbied successfully to go on the offensive in the Pacific during World War II saying, “No fighter won his fight by covering up-the winner hits, and keeps on hitting.” King was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on March 22, 1946, for dedicated service and for his skills as a military strategist. King died on June 25, 1956, in the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Naval Hospital. On October 29, 1961, Lorain Admiral King High School was dedicated in his honor.