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Headstone of James Vincent Forrestal
Headstone shared by 3 interments, including James Vincent Forrestal
U.S. Navy · United States United States

James Vincent Forrestal

Lieutenant
1892 – 1949
Lieutenant
Distinguished Service Medal (Army) Medal for Merit
Life Media Service Decorations In Our Keeping

Lieutenant James Vincent Forrestal served the Naval Reserve Flying Corps for 2 years. James served in World War I. James was 57 years old.

James Vincent Forrestal
James Vincent Forrestal
Headstone Front of Michael Forrestal. Arlington National Cemetery. Shared stone
Headstone Front of Michael Forrestal. Arlington National Cemetery.
Forrestal takes the oath of office as Secretary of the Navy from Rear Admiral Thomas L. Gatch, judge advocate general of the Navy on May 19, 1944. Ernest King, Chief of Naval Operations, stands to the right.
Forrestal takes the oath of office as Secretary of the Navy from Rear Admiral Thomas L. Gatch, judge advocate general of the Navy on May 19, 1944. Ernest King, Chief of Naval Operations, stands to the right.
Forrestal arrives at the White House for a Cabinet meeting, c. 1945
Forrestal arrives at the White House for a Cabinet meeting, c. 1945
Forrestal with Admirals King and Nimitz in Washington, D.C., November 1945
Forrestal with Admirals King and Nimitz in Washington, D.C., November 1945
Secretary of the Navy Forrestal pins Admiral Jonas H. Ingram with a Gold Star in lieu of a third Distinguished Service Medal on May 21, 1946.
Secretary of the Navy Forrestal pins Admiral Jonas H. Ingram with a Gold Star in lieu of a third Distinguished Service Medal on May 21, 1946.
Forrestal is sworn in as the first Secretary of Defense, September 17, 1947.
Forrestal is sworn in as the first Secretary of Defense, September 17, 1947.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Naval Reserve Flying Corps
Lieutenant
1917 – 1919
Commissioned in 1917 and trained as a naval aviator at Naval Air Station Pensacola. A lieutenant by the Armistice.
Conflicts
World War I
Awards & Decorations 2

Campaign and service medals

Distinguished Service Medal (Army)

Conferred by Congress

Medal for Merit
In Our Keeping
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Record added September 13, 2026 vincent.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated September 13, 2026

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