The Reminiscences of Capt. John Vavasour Noel Jr., USN (Ret.)

Captain Noel, a prolific writer and avid tennis player, was graduated from the Naval Academy in 1936. His World War II service included duty in the light minelayer USS Sicard (DM-21) at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked, and command of the destroyer USS Lamson (DD-367) during the Leyte Gulf and Ormoc Bay landings of late 1944. Among his postwar commands was the cruiser USS Springfield (CLG-7), Sixth Fleet flagship of two future CNOs, Admirals George Anderson and David McDonald. Subjects discussed include moral leadership in the Navy, civilian-versus-military control of the Judge Advocate General's Corps, and the early use of helicopters in underway replenishment. Various articles by Noel, discussed in the text, are included as an appendix.