James Thomas Alexander

James Thomas Alexander (August 25, 1888 – January 16, 1952) was a United States Navy captain who served as the 37th naval governor of Guam. He served as a commanding officer of ships during both World War I and World War II, receiving the Navy Cross for his actions during the First World War. He was an outspoken advocate for increased naval power and bases to improve American defensive networks. As governor, he improved the defenses of Guam by building additional military facilities, dredging the Apra Harbor, increasing the officers on the island, and building a sea wall.

James Thomas Alexander
37th Naval Governor of Guam
In office
February 8, 1938 – April 20, 1940
Preceded byBenjamin McCandlish
Succeeded byGeorge McMillin
Personal details
Born(1888-08-25)August 25, 1888
Wichita, Kansas
DiedJanuary 16, 1952(1952-01-16) (aged 63)
San Diego, California
Nationality United States
Alma materUnited States Naval Academy
AwardsNavy Cross
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Rank Captain
CommandsUSS Sterett
USS Porter
USS Astoria
USS Wichita

Life

Alexander was born on August 25, 1888, and lived much of his life in Kansas. He died on January 16, 1952.[1]

Alexander graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1910.[1] While there, he rowed for the Navy Midshipmen men's crew team.[2] During World War I he served as commanding officer of both the USS Sterett and the USS Porter, for which he received the Navy Cross.[1] Following the war, he commanded the Navy Ammunition Depot in Hawaii.[3] In the 1930s, Alexander proved a strong advocate for the strengthening of American sea power as the key to maintaining a healthy national defense.[4] Following his governorship, he commanded the USS Astoria.[5] He commanded the USS Wichita during World War II.[6] He retired from the Navy as a captain.[1]

Governorship

Alexander served as Naval Governor of Guam from February 8, 1938 to April 20, 1940.[7] Air travel became more prevalent during his tenure as more people traveled to the island from the mainland United States and air mail arrived frequently. He recommended various methods to make the island more defensible, including building additional warehouses and harbor facilities, dredging Apra Harbor, constructing a sea wall and oil storage facilities, and the erection of six new officers barracks.[8] He had to negotiate with the Japanese government in arranging the return of a number of Japanese fisherman who had been rescued when their ship Daichs Saiho Maru sunk in a restricted area of the Guamanian coast.[5] He also oversaw the 1940 United States Census on the island.[9]

References
  1. "James Thomas Alexander". Military Times. Gannett Government Media. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2011.
  2. "Sport at Naval Academy" (PDF). The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. May 2, 1909. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  3. Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior for the Fiscal Year. 2. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. 1920. p. 97. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  4. "Hold Strong Navy Essential to Peace: Commander Alexander, Despite Bans on "Controversial" Talks, Pleads for Sea Power". The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. October 28, 1931. p. 15.
  5. "Japanese Fishing Vessel Wrecked on Guam in Area Closed to Aliens; 24 of Crew Saved". The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. January 16, 1940. p. 12.
  6. Schratz, Paul (2000). Submarine Commander: A Story of World War II and Korea. Lexington, Kentucky: University of Kentucky Press. ISBN 0-8131-0988-4. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
  7. "Naval Era Governors of Guam". Guampedia. Guam: University of Guam. August 10, 2010. Archived from the original on October 29, 2010. Retrieved April 4, 2011.
  8. "Claim a Majority for Guam Defense: Governor of Guam Reports". The New York Times. New York City. The New York Times Company. January 22, 1939. pp. 1–2.
  9. United States Census Bureau (1940). Sixteenth Census of the United States. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office. p. 1205. Retrieved May 23, 2011.
Military offices
Preceded by
Benjamin McCandlish		 Naval Governor of Guam
1938–1941		 Succeeded by
George McMillin
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