Background
Coontz, Robert Edward was born on June 11, 1864 in Hannibal, Missouri, United States. Son of Benton and Mary Bacon (Brewington) Coontz.
Coontz, Robert Edward was born on June 11, 1864 in Hannibal, Missouri, United States. Son of Benton and Mary Bacon (Brewington) Coontz.
Preparatory education Ingleside College, Palmyra, Missouri, 1878-1879, Hannibal (Missouri) College, 1879-1880. Graduated from the United States Naval Academy, 1885. Doctor of Laws from University of Missouri in 1926.
Doctor Naval Science, Pennsylvania Military Academy, 1930.
Kenneth Lee, United States Navy (deceased), Bertha. Commissioned ensign United States Navy, July 1, 1887. Promoted through grades to rear admiral, December 24, 1917.
Admiral, October 24, 1919.
Was in Alaskan service six years, becoming proficient as pilot in those waters. Executive officer Nebraska, on voyage of fleet around the world, 1908.
Comdt, of midshipmen, United States Naval Academy, 1910-1911. Governor of Guam, 1912-1913.
Commanding officer Georgia, 1913-1915, winning fleet gunnery trophy.
Appointed commandant Navy Yard, Puget Sound, July 20, 1915. Ordered to command 7th Division, United States Atlantic Fleet, August 31, 1918. Assistant for Naval Operations, 1918.
Made trip to Pacific with United States Fleet, United States Ship Wyoming, flagship.
Confirmed by the Senate as Chief of Naval Operations, October 24, 1919. Commander in chief United States Fleet, August 4, 1923-October 3, 1925.
Commanding fleet on Hawaiian-Australian-New Zealand Cruise. Commandant 5th Naval District November 30, 1925.
Retired, 1928; recalled, 1930, to assist in investigation of Alaska railroads.
Medals Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, Vera Cruz, World War. Distinguished Service Meda Awarded American Legion Distinguished Service Medal, October 15, 1923.
War Mothers’ Medal, 1930.
Commander General Military Order Foreign Wars, 1920-1923.
Member Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Married Augusta Cohen, October 31, 1890. Children: Lieutenant.