Alumni General and Flag Officers

The history of naval excellence at VMI dates back to the nineteenth century, as Institute cadets and alumni have taken the values of discipline, honor, service, and sacrifice instilled here on to illustrious careers in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.

Notable general and flag officers from the pre-NROTC years include:

United States Navy

VMI Class Alumnus Rank
1899 Staton, Adolphus Rear Admiral
1902 Upshur, William P Major General
1906 James, Jules Vice Admiral
1908 Byrd Jr, Richard E. Rear Admiral
1909 King Jr, Ogden D. Rear Admiral
1909 Read, Oliver M. Vice Admiral
1912 Harrill, William K. Vice Admiral
1915 Tobin, Robert G. Rear Admiral
1916 Hartt Jr, William H. Rear Admiral
1918 Cruzen, Richard H. Vice Admiral
1921 Davis, James K. Rear Admiral
1923 Phelan, George R. Admiral
1929 Seay, George C. Rear Admiral
1934 Yon, Joseph L. Rear Admiral
1945 Grojean, Charles Rear Admiral
1948-B Josephson, John V Rear Admiral
1950-B Ward, Tom Rear Admiral
1960 Seely, James W. Rear Admiral

United States Marine Corps

VMI Class Alumnus Rank
1902 Upshur, William P Major General
1912 Howard, Samuel L. Major General
1913 Kingman, Matthew H. Brigadier General
1914 Clement, William T. Lieutenant General
1915 Griffin, Raphael Brigadier General
1917 Cumming, Samuel C. Brigadier General
1917 Shepherd, Lemuel C. * General
1921 Pate, Randolph Mc. ** General
1921 Puller, Lewis B. Lieutenant General
1923 Chappell, Clarence J. Brigadier General
1923 Franklin Jr, Albert G. Brigadier General
1924 Ferguson, Edwin C. Brigadier General
1924 Hart, John N. Major General
1924 Letcher, John S. Brigadier General
1924 Marshall, St. Julien R. Brigadier General
1925 Freeman, Calvin R. Brigadier General
1931 Shell, George R. E. Brigadier General
1935 Burton Jr, Custis Brigadier General
1935 Riley, Thomas F. Brigadier General
1936 Banks, Charles L. Brigadier General
1946 Ashley, Maurice C. Brigadier General
1954 Gary III, John H. Brigadier General
1959 Breth, Frank J. Brigadier General
1965 Amos, Granville R. Brigadier General

* 20th Commandant of Marine Corps (1952-55)
** 21st Commandant of Marine Corps (1956-59)