Bruce DeMars

1935 - 2024

Admiral Bruce DeMars passed away February 3, 2024 in Falls Church, VA at the age of 88 after a brief illness.

Admiral Bruce DeMars was born in Chicago, IL, on June 3, 1935, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1957. On graduation night, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Ann Milburn, in the Naval Academy Chapel. Following commissioning, he served in the attack transports USS TELFAIR and USS OKANOGAN and, after Submarine School, the diesel-electric submarine USS CAPITAINE. Following nuclear power training, he served in the nuclear-powered submarines USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, USS SNOOK, and USS STURGEON before reporting for duty as Commanding Officer of USS CAVALLA.

Shore duty tours included instructor duty at Nuclear Power School and Submarine School and attendance at the Armed Forces Staff College. Following staff duty with Squadron TEN, Admiral DeMars served as Senior Member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He commanded Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE in New London, Connecticut and then served as Deputy Director, Attack Submarine Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, until selected for promotion to Rear Admiral in 1981.

As a flag officer, Admiral DeMars served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, Commander, U.S. Naval Base Guam and Commander in Chief, Pacific Representative for Guam and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; and as Deputy Assistant Chief and then Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare. He was promoted to Vice Admiral December 5, 1985.

On September 30, 1988, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for promotion to four-star rank. On October 22, 1988, he relieved Admiral McKee as Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion.

Admiral DeMars retired on October 1, 1996, after 44 years of service to his country. Upon his retirement, both houses of Congress honored Admiral DeMars with resolutions recognizing his distinguished service.

Admiral DeMars' decorations include two awards of the Distinguished Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, three awards of the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Navy Unit Commendation.

After retiring from active duty, he served on the boards of Exelon Corporation, McDermott International Inc., Duratek Corporation, Yellow Ribbon Fund, and OceanWorks International Inc. Admiral DeMars was a member of the Corporation of the Draper Laboratory and served as an advisor to industry and government. He was Chairman of the Naval Submarine League and the Naval Historical Foundation. Admiral DeMars was presented the 2009 U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Award, the 2011 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the 2012 National Maritime Historical Society Distinguished Service Award, and the 2016 Naval Submarine League Distinguished Submariner Award.

Admiral DeMars was a member of Burning Tree Golf Club, the Army & Navy Club, the Military Order of the Carabao, and the Alibi Club.

Admiral DeMars is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Margaret; his brother Lee (Joanne); his son Bruce Fitzhugh DeMars (Patty), Midlothian, VA, his daughter Margaret Troup (Jamie), Bethesda, MD; three grandchildren, Rebecca Gills (Matthew), Bruce (Brinn) and Catherine Troup, three great grandchildren, Grace Gills, Everly Gills, and Hattie DeMars. He was predeceased by his brother Charles E. DeMars (Pat). A private service will be held at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation (dolphinscholarship.org).

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