Richard Lyon (naval officer)
Richard Lyon | |
|---|---|
 Richard Lyon in 1975 | |
| Nickname(s) | Dick |
| Born | July 14, 1923 Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Died | February 3, 2017 (aged 93) Oceanside, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1983 (41 years) |
| Rank |  Rear admiral |
| Commands | Deputy Chief, Navy Reserve UDT Team 5 |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Commendation Medal Combat Action Ribbon |
| Other work | Mayor, Trustee |
Richard "Dick" Lyon (July 14, 1923 – February 3, 2017) was a United States Navy admiral[1] and mayor of Oceanside, California.[2] Lyon was the first admiral of Special Warfare ("SEAL").
Early life and education
Lyon was born in Pasadena, California. As a youth, he was a selected member of the United States Olympic swim team for the 1940 Summer Olympics in Tokyo,[3] but the 1940 games were canceled due to the outbreak of World War II. Lyon graduated from Yale University in 1944, and received a master's degree from Stanford University in 1953.[4]
Naval career
Lyon attended Columbia University Midshipmen's School, receiving his commission in the United States Navy in October 1944. He served as a Navy Scout and Raider in the Pacific Theatre and in China as an Intelligence Officer. He was released from active duty in 1946, subsequently joining the Naval Reserve. He returned to active duty in early 1951 he commissioned the "Underwater Demolition Team FIVE" and served in the Korean War until late 1952. Upon release, he resumed his Reserve participation.[4]
In July 1974, Lyon became the first "Special Warfare" (SEAL) admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy.[4]
Lyon was a graduate of both the National War College and the Naval War College. He was the first Reserve officer to be appointed to the Board of Directors of the United States Naval Institute where he served as Chairman of the Editorial Board. He has received decorations for the Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.[4]
He returned to active duty as Deputy Chief of Naval Reserve in July 1978,[4] and retired in July 1983 at the rank of rear admiral after nearly 41 years of naval service.[4]
Political career
Lyon was elected Mayor of the City of Oceanside in November 1992,[5] and was re-elected in 1996.[6]
Personal life
Lyon was a private pilot and an avid sailor, body-surfer and golfer. He was married to Cynthia Gisslin, and had nine children. He resided in Oceanside from 1981[4] until his death in February 2017.[7]
References
- ^ Steele, Heather. "Richard Lyon". Encinitas, California: World War II History Project. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
- ^ Lyle, Jamie Scott (30 May 2011). "Parade of Wreaths". Union-Tribune. San Diego, CA.
- ^ "city council seats". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g Gorman, Tom (21 October 1992). "In Oceanside, Issues are Growth, Cops and That Pesky Image : Election: Seven candidates are vying to replace Mayor Larry Bagley, and 17 others are seeking two seats on the City Council". Los Angeles Times. Our Candidates. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
- ^ "Oceanside, CA Mayor 1992". Retrieved 20 August 2013.
- ^ "Oceanside, CA Mayor 1996". Retrieved 20 August 2013.
- ^ Pace, Julie (7 February 2017). "First Navy SEAL to become admiral dies at 93". Navy Times. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
- 1923 births
- 2017 deaths
- United States Navy admirals
- United States Navy SEALs personnel
- American naval personnel of World War II
- American naval personnel of the Korean War
- Recipients of the Legion of Merit
- Military personnel from California
- Mayors of places in California
- Columbia University alumni
- Stanford University alumni
- National War College alumni
- Naval War College alumni
- People from Pasadena, California
- People from Oceanside, California