Admiral Wilson at the Naval Academy – 1921-1925

Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson '81 (1921-1925), the twenty-sixth superintendent, reported to the Naval Academy having just completed a tour as Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet, reverting from a four star billet to that of a Rear Admiral upon acceptance of his new orders. An imposing figure, Wilson, ultimately referred to by midshipmen as “Uncle Harry,” believed strongly that the Academy's crucial task was the development of character, with truth as the cornerstone. Launching a campaign to make the academy “more humane,” Wilson revised Christmas leave and inaugurated an Easter leave, as well. He had no tolerance for hazing and in its place instituted a system of “rates,” or privileges, incorporating many traditional but unofficial practices into academy regulations. He created the first USNA department of physical training in 1923 and introduced one of the Academy's most romantic traditions, the Ring Dance, in 1925. It is said that Admiral Wilson's administration constituted the transition between the cloistered academy of the nineteenth century and the open academy of the twentieth.

In 1921 evidence of continuing difficulty with hazing was apparent with the publication of a letter to the Brigade by Rear Admiral Henry B. Wilson, Superintendent. Wilson reminded the students that they were not empowered to punish any other Midshipmen by denial of such things as food and rest. He also made clear in the following remarks that Classmate loyalty was not to be confused with honor. Wilson stated:

Tradition never did and never will require one on duty to assume responsibility for the derelictions of a Classmate or shipmate. Worthwhile friends will not place a Midshipman on duty in a position where he must either report them or himself or assume the responsibility for an offence more serious — neglect of duty — which may carry with it distrust and possible dismissal. Class spirit is commendable… But it is indefensible through a mistaken idea of "Class honor" to shield another who has knowingly failed to accord to the regiment that honorable position which generations of Midshipmen have earned for it.