Ralph Earle (American naval officer)
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Ralph Earle (3 May 1874 - 13 February 1939), born in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1896.
He served at sea in several ships, among them Massachusetts (BB-2), Essex, and Hornet. While on board Missouri (BB-11), he won commendations from the President and Secretary of the Navy for his conduct at the time of a disastrous turret explosion. He commanded Dolphin (PG-24) at the occupation of Vera Cruz, Mexico, and later commanded Connecticut (BB-18).
Ashore, Earle had duty at the Naval Academy and the Naval Proving Ground. An expert on guns and explosives, he was made Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance shortly before the United States entered World War I. Under his administration the North Sea mine barrage was conceived and executed using a new type of mine, and the plan of mounting naval 14-inch guns on railway cars for use as long-range artillery on the Western Front, was evolved and carried out. After his retirement in 1927, Rear Admiral Earle served as president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute until his death, 13 February 1939.
The USS Earle (DD-635) was named in his honor, as well as the Naval Weapons Station Earle.
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This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
