Oscar Walter Farenholt

Biography

Oscar Walter Farenholt answered the call to service in the United States Navy as a young man during the Civil War and, by steadfast dedication, became the first enlisted sailor in the Navy's history to reach the rank of rear admiral. He helped to build the modern American fleet, leading ships and squadrons with the same practical discipline he had learned while serving at sea.

Throughout his long career he cared deeply about the well-being and training of the men under his command, earning the trust of officers and enlisted alike. His leadership left a lasting impression on the Navy's professional culture, and he now rests at San Francisco National Cemetery as a reminder of a life spent at the service of his country.