William J. Cowhill

COWHILL Vice Admiral WILLIAM J. COWHILL US Navy (Ret.) (Age 83) VADM William J. Cowhill, of Great Falls, Virginia on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Bethesda Naval Medical Center. Beloved husband of the late Jennifer J. Cowhill; loving father of Robin, Michael and Douglas Cowhill of Great Falls, VA and Joseph (Desma) Cowhill II of Palm City, FL; brother of Jeanne Johnson of Marion, IA; grandfather of Jennifer L. and Patrick Cowhill. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Beth Ann. Born on May 29, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY to Joseph H. and Lucy R. Cowhill, Admiral Cowhill grew up in Chicago Illinois where he attended New Trier High School and Northwestern University on the NROTC program graduating in the Class of 1950 with a Major in English Literature. After graduation he was assigned to the destroyer-minesweeper USS ELLYSON. Following this tour he entered submarine training in June 1952. His initial submarine duty was a three year tour on USS TRIGGER. This was followed by a year of training in the Navy's Nuclear Program at the Sub School in Groton Connecticut where he became one of the very first "Rickover Boys" after graduating second in his class. He was then assigned to the USS SKATE for a two year tour which included two historic Arctic Explorations during one of which the USS SKATE made the very first surfacing of a submarine at the North Pole. Subsequent sea assignments included Engineering Officer of USS SCULPIN and Executive Officer of the ill-fated USS THRESHER. His sea duty Commands included submarines USS DACE, USS WILL ROGERS and the Submarine Tender USS HOLLAND. In 1973 then 45 year old Captain Cowhill was promoted to Rear Admiral where various shore duty assignments included a two year tour as Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Appointed to Vice Admiral in 1979, he served his final six years of active duty as head of logistics for, first the Navy, and then the Joint Chiefs. Vice Admiral Cowhill's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. Admiral Cowhill retired in 1985 and resided in Mclean and Great Falls, VA. He was an avid reader, Redskins/White Sox/Nationals fan and enjoyed gourmet cooking and dining. When not otherwise occupied, he spent his retirement years with his four children, extended family and many loving friends running a one boat Navy on the Chesapeake Bay. A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Please view and sign the family's online guestbook at: www.moneyandking.com