Francis S. Low papers

Francis Stuart Low was born on August 15, 1894 in Albany, NY. He entered the Naval Academy in 1911 at the age of 16 after attending high school in Newton, MA. In the years following Low’s graduation from the Naval Academy in 1915, he completed training in submarine school and went on to command multiple submarines from 1917-1922.

In 1925, Low spent a year studying at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, followed by a yearlong post as an instructor at the Naval Academy. Starting in 1927 he served on the USS New Mexico for three years, after which he was sent to the Asiatic Station where he commanded the USS Paul Jones. In 1935 he returned to the United States to serve two positions in Navy Department until World War II, with a two year service as the Commander of Submarine Squadron 13 in between.

During World War II, Low worked closely with Admiral King, as Operations Officer and later as Chief of Staff of the 10th Fleet. He was eventually given command of the 16th Cruiser Division in early 1945. During this time, he played an integral role in anti-U-boat tactics, as well as assisting in strikes against the Japanese islands and mainland. Low was also tasked with the securing of Japanese Naval installations following their surrender in August of 1945.

Following the war, he served as a Commander in various capacities, as well as the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics). Low’s final post was serving as the Commander West Sea Frontier and Pacific Reserve Fleet until his retirement in July 1956, after which he was advanced to the rank of Admiral. He retired to Oakland, CA with his wife, Alice Paul Requa Low (1900-1982), and passed away at the age of 69 on January 22, 1964.

Low’s decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Haitian Campaign Medal, Mexican Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Commendation Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Yangtze River Service Medal, WWI & WWII Victory Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Order of the British Empire (Commander), Philippines Legion of Honor (Commander), Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Grand Officer), France Legion of Honor (Commander), as well as multiple commendations in regards to Gunnery and Battle Efficiency aboard the USS New Mexico.

1915 June

Graduated from the Naval Academy and appointed Ensign

1915 July

Began service onboard battleship USS Connecticut

1915 December

Joined torpedo class on the USS Montana

1916 July

Began instruction on submarines aboard the USS Fulton in New London, CT.

1916 December

Completed coursework on submarines

Began duty on board D-3 Submarine

1917 June

Took command of D-3 Submarine

1917 October

Promoted to Lieutenant

1917 December

Assigned to the Tactical Group of Submarine Chasers

1918 August

Began duty on board O-9 submarine

1919 April

Began duty in command of USS AL-1 submarine

1920 January

Began duty in command of USS L-2 submarine

1920 March

Began duty as Torpedo Officer of Submarine Division Five

1922 September

Began duty in command of USS S-12 submarine

1923 August

Removed from duty aboard USS S-12 and placed on sick leave for one month

1923 September

Began duty as Flag Lieut. to Read Admiral M.M. Taylor

1925 June

Attended the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, RI

1926 June

Upon completing coursework at NWC, began instructing at the U.S. Naval Academy

1926

Promoted to Lieutenant Commander

1927 March

Began duty as Asst. Fire Control Officer of USS New Mexico

1930 May

Began duty as Officer in Charge at Recruiters’ Training School, Hampton Roads, VA

1932

Ordered to Asiatic Station and began staff duties with Submarine Squadron Five

1932-1935

Served as commander of USS Paul Jones

Promoted to Commander

1935-1937

Served as Legislative Officer in the Bureau of Navigation

1937-1939

Served as Commander of Submarine Squadron 13

1939-1941

Served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

1941-1942

Served as Operations Officer to Admiral King

Promoted to Captain

1942 September

Began duty as Commander of USS Wichita

1943

Promoted to Rear Admiral

1943-1945

Served as Chief of Staff of the 10th Fleet for Admiral King

1945 January

Appointed as Commander of Cruiser Division 16

1945 August

Charged with the surrender of all Japanese Naval installations in Korea

1945 November

Began duty as Commander Destroyers, Pacific Fleet

1947 March

Promoted to Vice Admiral and made Commander Service Force, US Pacific Fleet

1950 February

Appointed as Deputy Chief of Naval Operation (Logistics)

1953 March

Began duty as Commander West Sea Frontier and Commander Pacific Reserve Fleet

1956 July

Retired after 45 years of service and advanced to the rank of Admiral