Son Won-il

Son Won-il (May 5, 1909, Nampo  – February 15, 1980) was a South Korean naval vice admiral best known for being the first Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) of the Republic of Korea Navy.

Career

As one of the founding members of the Republic of Korea Navy, Son is generally regarded as the founder of the South Korean navy. After relieved from the service, he was appointed as the fifth Minister of National Defense, and the first ambassador to West Germany.

Legacy

In honor of Son, the ROKS Son Wonil (SS 072), the first of Son Wonil class submarines, was commissioned in 2007, named after him.

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