2001 distinguished graduate award program

Distinguished Graduates

Award Dinner

September 22, 2001Memorial Hall

Honoring

Distinguished Graduates

Award Dinner

September 22, 2001Memorial Hall

6:30 p.m.

Captain John W. Crawford, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1942

Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.) Class of 1947

Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, USN (Ret.) Class of 1947

Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.) Class of 1949

Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.) Class of 1952

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and United States Naval Academy

These five Distinguished Graduates matriculated from the Naval Academy in different times, but took with them the same lessons and

values: honor, courage and commitment. Their loyalty to the Academy is unswerving and their service to the nation, the Navy and the United States Naval Academy is exemplary. These men are truly Distinguished Graduates and are so honored by the USNA Alumni Association.

Captain John W. Crawford, Jr., USN (Ret.) ’42

Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.) ’47

Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, USN (Ret.) ’47

Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.) ’49

Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.) ’52

Program

Distinguished Graduate Award Dinner Reception

Distinguished Graduate Award Dinner

Welcome Vice Admiral John R. Ryan, USNSuperintendent, U.S. Naval Academy

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

Awards Presentation Master of Ceremonies

George P. Watt, Jr. ’73Captain, USNR (Ret.)

President and CEO, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association President, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation

Benediction

Navy Blue and Gold performed by the

U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club

Memorial Hall September 22, 2001

John W. Crawford, Jr. Captain John W. Crawford, Jr., USN (Ret.)

Distinguished Graduate Award—2001

Class of 1942Class of 19 4 2

John W. Crawford, Jr., entered the Naval Academy Class of 1942 as the world stood on the brink of war. Jack, as he was known to

friends at the Academy, was a dedicated student, graduating fourth in his class.As a midshipman, Jack excelled in lacrosse, but, as a New Hamp-shire native, his passion was skiing. The Lucky Bag called Jack “a clear thinker” who was able to concentrate on the job at hand, and possess-ing an inherent thoroughness that instills confidence in his associates. Twelve days after Pearl Harbor, Jack left the Academy and went to war, beginning his 22-year active duty career. As a line officer aboard the USS Yorktown, he took part in the Battle of Midway and saw other action throughout the Pacific theater.Following the war, Jack continued his education at MIT, earning a master’s in naval construction and engineering, while also serving as an Engineering Duty Officer at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. In 1949, Jack joined the staff of Admiral Hyman Rickover, playing a key role in development of the Navy’s nuclear program.Captain John Crawford retired from active duty in 1963 to be-come manager of manufacturing for Murray Manufacturing. But it wasn’t long before his country again asked for his expertise. Join-ing the Atomic Energy Commission in 1965, he served as assistant director for all non-naval reactor work. He held senior positions at the Department of Energy, including Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy. At a time when Nuclear Energy came under intense public scrutiny, Jack worked effectively to protect and strengthen the Navy’s atomic program.In both his military and civilian careers, Jack always emphasized a disciplined engineering approach that enhanced both the military and civilian nuclear programs.His support of the Naval Academy is wide-ranging. He served as a Blue and Gold officer and arranged an area lacrosse clinic involving Navy coaches and players.Jack lives in Maryland with his wife Betty and enjoys spending time with his four adult children, Elizabeth, Mary, Carol and Jack.John W. Crawford, Jr., came of age with nuclear power and has left his mark, helping to create a stronger Navy and a stronger nation.

William J. Crowe, Jr.Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr., USN (Ret.)



Oklahoma native William Crowe entered the Naval Academy Class of 1947 with a strong interest in international politics.

The Lucky Bag described Bill as “smooth in his ability to convince ev-eryone he was right,” helping him earn debating and oratory honors.

After a stint on the White House Staff, Bill earned advanced degrees from Stanford and Princeton.

In the submarine service, he took command of the USS Trout. In the 1960s, Bill went to Vietnam as a senior advisor to the South Vietnamese Navy.

Back home in 1971, Rear Admiral Crowe held a series of strategic posts and military commands culminating in his selection in 1985 by President Reagan to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

There was almost no job Bill didn’t hold—including, actor—as he made a cameo appearance on the hit TV series “Cheers.”

In 1989, following 47 years of service to his country, Admiral Crowe retired from active duty, but his days of service were far from over.

In 1993, he was appointed Chairman of the President’s Foreign Intel-ligence Advisory Board. A year later, he was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James, the United Kingdom.

Looking back, he considers the development of a trusting friendship with his Soviet counterpart, Marshal Sergei Akhromeyev, one of his proudest accomplishments.

Today, Bill shares his knowledge and years of insight with future naval officers, holding an endowed Chair at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Bill and his wife Shirley live in Alexandria, Virginia, and spend as much time as possible with their three children and their families.

Admiral William Crowe—a wise leader and role model—is passing on his wisdom to the next generation.

James B. StockdaleVice Admiral James B. Stockdale, USN (Ret.)



James Bond Stockdale entered the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1947, undecided whether to choose service in submarines or avia-

tion. He honed his leadership skills at the Academy, excelling at both academics and the social scene.When it came to athletics, Jim’s hard work on the gridiron earned the praise and admiration of classmates. His Lucky Bag prophecy pro-foundly observed that it would be a lucky man who found himself deployed with “Stock.”After graduation, Jim married Sybil Bailey. He then served as an of-ficer aboard minesweepers and destroyers before starting his training as a Navy fighter pilot in 1950. After successful assignments in flight squadrons, Jim landed at the Patuxent Naval Air Station where he tested the Navy’s latest jets and served as an instructor.In between assignments, flying the F8 Crusader, Jim earned a master’s degree from Stanford. When the Vietnam War escalated in 1964, Jim was there, leading the defense of the Destroyer Maddox in the Gulf of Tonkin. Jim was in his second combat tour in Vietnam when, on September 9, 1965, he was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese.Seven and a half years of imprisonment followed—over half of it in solitary confinement. Much of the time, he endured brutal torture at the hands of his captors. As the senior officer and resistance leader among the POWs, Jim was singled out for especially harsh torture. His stubborn refusal to break inspired his comrades, discouraged his captors and resulted in the end of POW torture. It remains his proud-est achievement, earning him the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor and the gratitude of his fellow POWs including Bill Butler who quotes from the poem “Invictus” when he describes Jim. “In the fell clutch of circumstance, I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance, My head is bloody, but unbowed.” As a civilian, Jim has been a college president, a teacher, a Senior Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and the 1992 Reform Party Vice Presidential Candidate. Jim and Sybil, who wrote a best selling book together, enjoy spending time with their four sons and their families. Jim Stockdale—whose honor, courage and commitment inspired his friends—and his country.

Admiral James D. Watkins, USN (Ret.)


James D. Watkins


With World War II fought and won, California native James Watkins entered the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 1949, part

of a new generation of leaders that would fight and win the Cold War.

At the Academy, Jim mixed success on the crew team and in the class-room with ease, and was known for his ability to see humor in any situation. The Lucky Bag predicted the future would find Jim with “a pair of wings and a permanent home in Pasadena.”

But after leaving Annapolis, Jim served aboard destroyers, cruisers and submarines. Along the way he earned a master’s in mechanical engineering, and completed a reactor-engineering course at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

His broad knowledge of naval operations propelled Jim up the Navy’s chain of command. As a flag officer, he served as Chief of Naval Per-sonnel, Commander of the Sixth Fleet, Vice Chief of Naval Opera-tions and Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet. In 1982, Presi-dent Reagan tapped Jim to become Chief of Naval Operations.

After retiring from active duty in 1986, Jim was selected by President Reagan to chair the Presidential Commission on AIDS in 1987. In 1989, he joined President Bush’s cabinet, serving four years as Secre-tary of Energy.

Since leaving the government, Jim served as president of the Joint Oceanographic Institutions until 2000. He also founded and served as president of the Consortium for Oceanographic Research until 2001.

Earlier this year, President George W. Bush appointed Jim to the Presidential Commission on Ocean Policy.

Among his proudest accomplishments—improving pay for sailors and his role in forming America’s Strategic Defense policy.

He recently attended the commissioning of grandson George at Duke University, marking the third generation of Watkins men to embark on a navy career. He enjoys spending time with his wife Janet and their combined family, including ten children and ten grandchildren.

Jim Watkins’ love of the sea led him to the Navy. And his talent, ener-gy and dedication have served both the Navy and the world’s oceans.

James A. Lovell, Jr.Captain James A. Lovell, USN (Ret.)


Class of 1952Class of 19 52

From the time he was a small child, listening to his uncle’s “sea stories,” James Lovell had two dreams—to attend the U.S. Naval

Academy and to fly. He got his chance to realize both dreams when he entered the Naval Academy Class of 1952.

As a midshipman, Jim earned a reputation for his academic skill, but modestly replied that he was just trying to keep his head above water. The Lucky Bag predicted that “as an officer, Jim’s easy manner and will to make good should carry him far.” It certainly did.

Following a tour as a naval aviator and test pilot, Jim was selected for the U.S. space program, joining the Gemini team of astronauts in 1962. At NASA, Jim’s dream took flight. He filled backup roles for Gemini 4 and 9.

On his first mission, Gemini 7, Jim accomplished the first docking of two manned spacecraft, taking his passion for the Blue and Gold into space with him.

Next came the Apollo program. Jim served as command module pilot on Apollo 8—the very first voyage to the moon, becoming the first Naval officer to travel to the lunar body.

In 1970, as mission commander of Apollo 13, Jim was headed back to the moon when an onboard explosion crippled the spacecraft. For days the world held its breath as Jim and his crew defied the odds and brought Apollo 13 safely home.

For his courageous effort, Jim received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor.

After retiring from the Navy, Jim excelled in the corporate world, and founded his own company, Lovell Communications.

Jim lives in the Chicago area with his wife Marilyn. The have four children and 11 grandchildren.

Jim Lovell is a man whose dreams of flight led him to the Naval Academy and whose courage in space inspired the world.

Distinguished Graduate Award

The Distinguished Graduate Program was an ini-tiative of Rear Admiral Ronald F. Marryott, USN

(Ret.) ’57, former president and CEO of the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association. The 2001

selection committee was headed by former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost, USN (Ret.)

’53.

The first Distinguished Graduate, Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.) ’33, was recognized in 1999.

Last year, five Naval Academy graduates were recognized: Dr. John J. Mc-Mullen ’40; Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.) ’43; Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.) ’51; Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.) ’55; and Mr. Roger T. Staubach ’65.

Nominating Criteria In order to be nominated as a distinguished graduate, candidates must be living graduates who have:

✦ Demonstrated a strong interest in supporting the Navy and the U.S. Naval Academy;

✦ Provided a lifetime of service to the nation or armed forces;

✦ Made significant and distinguished contributions to the nation via their public service;

✦ Character, distinguished military and civilian service, and stature that draw a wholesome comparison to the qualities that the United States Naval Academy strives for in keeping with values of duty, honor and integrity and “through knowledge, sea power.”

The award will not be given to individuals who occupy or who are candi-dates for elective office, or who are still on active duty.

Distinguished Graduate Award History


Distinguished Graduates Award—2000

Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN (Ret.) Class of 1933

Dr. John J. McMullen Class of 1940

Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret.) Class of 1943

Admiral William P. Lawrence, USN (Ret.) Class of 1951

Mr. Roger T. Staubach Class of 1965

Major General William A. Anders, USAFR (Ret.) Class of 1955

2001 distinguished graduate award program

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