Vice Admiral Joel Roberts Poinsett Pringle
Feb 4, 1873 - Sep 25, 1932

Joel Roberts Poinsett Pringle was a distinguished U.S. Naval officer, serving from 1894 to 1932. Pringle was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1888, and commissioned ensign in 1894. Attaining the rank of Vice Admiral in 1932, his commands included the destroyer USS Perkins; USS Dixie; Flotilla 2, Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet; USS Melville; the battleship USS Idaho; President of the Naval War College; Battleship Division 3, Battle Force; and Battleships; Battle Force.

For his service during World War I, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commanding officer, USS Melville and Chief of Staff, Destroyer Flotillas, European Waters.

Pringle graduated from the Naval War College in 1920 and served as a staff member from 1923-1925. Subsequently, he served as the college's president from 1927-1930.