Leahy, William D (1875–1959)

US admiral and diplomat during World War II. After two difficult years as ambassador to the Vichy government of France 1940–42, he was recalled by President F D Roosevelt to become his chief of staff 1942–49. In this position he exerted considerable influence on the operations of US forces during World War II.

Leahy was born in Hampton, Iowa, and entered the US Naval Academy 1897. He was made rear admiral 1930. As chief of naval operations 1937–39, he had the task of strengthening the US navy after the Japanese denunciation of the limits imposed by the Washington and London Naval Treaties. He was governor of Puerto Rico 1939–40.