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Naval History and Heritage Command

National Museum of the U.S. Navy

<p>NMUSN_Diversity_WIN_Grace Hopper</p>

RADM Grace M. Hopper

Rear Admiral Grace M. Hopper, USNR

Grace Murray Hopper made important contributions during the Vietnam War era.  Born in December 1906, she became a Lieutenant Junior Grade in December 1943 following USNR Midshipman's School at Northampton, Massachusetts.  One of her achievements at the Bureau of Ordnance Computation Project at Harvard University was to program the first large-scale digital computer, the Mark I.   Hopper served in the Naval Reserve after World War II and retired in December 1966.   Recalled to active duty in August 1967, she was assigned to the Chief of Naval Operation's staff as Navy Programming Languages Group.  During the Vietnam War, she was named Computer Sciences "Man-of-the-Year" by the Data Processing Management Association.   Serving in various posts until 1986, she attained the rank of Rear Admiral before retiring.  Hopper died in January 1992 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.  USS Grace Hopper (DDG-70) is named in her honor.  

Other Resources:

NMUSN Women in the U.S. Navy Pamphlet

NHHC Women in the U.S. Navy Focus

Image:  NH 96924:  Captain Grace M. Hopper, USNR, working at her desk.   NHHC Photograph Collection.