Captain George Landenberger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Landenberger

George Bertram Landenberger (May 12, 1879 – January 15, 1936) was a United States Navy Captain and the 23rd (and 21st unique) Governor of American Samoa, from May 12, 1932 to April 10, 1934. Landenberger commanded many ships during his naval career, as well as two naval yards. He received the Navy Cross for his actions commanding the USS Indiana during World War I. He died of cancer in 1936, one year after retiring from military service.

Early life

Landenberger was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 12, 1879.

Naval career

Landenberger attended the United States Naval Academy from Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 10, 1896, graduating in 1900. As an ensign, he joined the United States Asiatic Fleet, eventually joining forces in the Philippines. Landenberger served on the USS Alabama during 1906. In 1915, he served as a Lieutenant commander on the USS Louisiana.

Landenberger received the Navy Cross for his service as commanding officer of the USS Indiana during the First World War. The citation read: "The Navy Cross is awarded to Captain George Landenberger, U.S. Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Indiana, in the Atlantic Fleet." After the Indiana, Landenberger commanded two other ships, the USS Pennsylvania in 1930 and the USS Arkansas in 1932, as well as the entire destroyer squadron of the Asiatic Fleet from 1924 to 1926.

Right before becoming the governor of American Samoa, Landenberger was in the post of Chief of Staff of the 15th Naval District in the Panama Canal Zone. This followed an appointment to the command of the Naval Station on Goat Island. After serving as governor, he was reassigned as head of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

Later life

Landenberger retired from service in 1935 to Haverford, Pennsylvania. December 10 of that year, Landenberger underwent treatment for lung problems, receiving several blood transfusions. He died on January 15, 1936 of sarcoma of the chest. He died at the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia.

Governorship

Landenberger became Governor of American Samoa on May 12, 1932, succeeding Gatewood Lincoln. He served until April 10, 1934.