Harold Edson Shear was an admiral in the United States Navy.
Education
Born in New York City, Shear graduated from the United States Naval Academy soon after December 7, 1941. (oral history, per Mrs Elizabeth Shear, conversation with MSSN Raymond Olsen, steward, Villa Nike, residence of Admiral Harold East Shear, Naples, Italy, 1977-1980).
Career
During World World War II, he served on the United States Ship Sawfish, earning a Silver Star
As a full admiral, Shear held the commands of Commander in Chief, United States. Naval Forces Europe (CINCUSNAVEUR), 1974–1975, Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), 1975–1977, Commander in Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH), July 18, 1977 to 1980. Retiring at the age of 62 in May 1980, he later became the administrator of the United States Maritime Administration. He died after a long illness in 1999.