the navy's General Board during the next year. That same year, he became a member of the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was promoted to captain in May 1908 and from November of that year to March 1910 he commanded the battleship . In the spring of 1910, Fletcher became the Secretary of the Navy's Aide for Material. While in that post, he reached the rank of rear admiral. From 1912 to 1914, he commanded battleship divisions of the Atlantic Fleet. In April 1914, Fletcher led U.S. Navy forces during the landings at Vera Cruz, Mexico, receiving the Medal of Honor for his "distinguished conduct in battle". In September 1914, Fletcher began two years as the Atlantic Fleet's Commander in Chief, and was elevated to the rank of admiral in March 1915, the senior of the first three officers to hold the new four-star positions. He was a member of the General Board, the Joint Army and Navy Board and the War Industries Board in 1916–1919, and was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for "meritorious service" during World War I. He was also awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his work as the navy representative on the War Industries Board. Admiral Fletcher retired on November 23, 1919, with the rank of rear admiral (as was customary at that time), and subsequently served as an official advisor on contemporary defense issues. Fletcher died on November 28, 1928, in New York City. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Legacy The was named for Fletcher and was the most numerous class of destroyers produced during World War II, with 175 completed, and one of the most successful designs of the war. The lead ship in the class, , was in commission from 1942 to 1969. Medal of Honor citation Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Born: November 23, 1855, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Accredited to: Iowa. G.O. No.: 177, December 4, 1915. Citation: For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Under fire, Rear Adm. Fletcher was eminent and conspicuous in the performance of his duties; was senior officer present at Vera Cruz, and the landing and the operations of the landing force were carried out under his orders and directions. In connection with these operations, he was at times on shore and under fire. Awards Medal of