William Fullam

Rear Admiral William Freeland Fullam (20 October 1855 – 23 September 1926)) was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I.

Born in Pittsford, New York, Fullam was a member of the United States Naval Academy class of 1877. His commands through his long and distinguished naval career ranged from the sailing ship "Chesapeake" in 1904 to the battleship "Mississippi" in 1909.

During World War I, Rear Admiral Fullam commanded the Reserve Force, Pacific Fleet, and Patrol Force, Pacific Fleet, and was senior officer in command of the Pacific Fleet during the absence of the Fleet's Commander-in-Chief in South Atlantic waters.

The merit of his service in such responsible positions was recognized with the award of the Navy Cross. Chief among his assignments ashore was the superintendency of the Naval Academy in 1914 and 1915.

In early 1918 Vice Admiral Kantaro Suzuki (who later became the 42nd Prime Minister of Japan from April 7, 1945 to August 17, 1945) brought his two Japanese cruisers Asama and Iwate to San Francisco and "banqueted" with Rear Admiral Fullam after receiving harbor entrance by Rear Admiral Fullam.

Rear Admiral Fullam retired 8 October 1919, and died at Washington, D.C., aged 70.

The destroyer USS "Fullam" was named for him.

ee also

List of Superintendents of the United States Naval Academy