Admiral W L Capps (AP 121) - Naval Cruise Book

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REAR ADMIRAL WASHINGTON LEE CAPPS, U. S. N. Washington Lee Capps was born at Portsmouth, Virginia, on 31 Ianuary, 1864. Both he and his brother Talbot attended the U. S. Naval Academy, where W. L. Capps graduated in 1884. During the next two years he served on the U. S. S. Tennessee and on the staffs of Admirals Luce and Iouett. Be- cause of outstanding ability he was assigned to special duty abroad, studying at Glasgow University in Scotland, receiving his B. S. degree there in 1888. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science in 1912. In 1888 he became Assistant Naval Constructor and in 1895 was advanced to Naval Constructor. During the Spanish VVar he served on the staff of Admiral Dewey in the Asiatic Station, where he superintended the raising of several sunken Spanish ships. In 1903 he became Chief of Bureau of Construction and Repair, with the Rank of Rear Admiral. Later he was given permanent commission as Chief Constructor. Rear Admiral Washington Lee Capps was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by President Wilson during the First World War, for exceptionally meritorious services in a position of great responsibilityf, In 1924 he was specially commended by the President for services on the Naval Compensation Board. Twice Admiral Capps served in San Francisco, where the ship named in his honor was built and commissioned. From 1896 to 1898 he superintended the construction of the Union Iron Works. In 1915 he was the delegate of the Navy Department to the International Engineering Congress, serving as chairman of the section on Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Admiral Capps was retired in 1928, but at the request of the Secretary of the Navy was kept on active duty. He continued as a member of the Navy Yard Commission, of the Naval VVar Claims Board until the day of his death, 31 May, 1935.

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REA WASHINGT 'Washizzgffif on 31 Ianuarf., 1 the S. 1884. Durirwg Tennessee aff' 4, ff

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