Clarence F. Leary

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clarence Frederick Leary (11 January 1894 – 20 July 1918) was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I.

Born in Fowey, England, Leary came to the United States with his family as a boy. After the United States entered World War I he was commissioned lieutenant in the Naval Reserve 12 June 1918, and appointed executive officer in Charlton Hall. He died of burns and smoke inhalation when he entered the ship’s burning hold 20 July in an attempt to save both ship and crew. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his self-sacrificing valor.

Two ships, USS Leary, were named for him.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.