Jesse Wallace

Jesse Rink Wallace (July 17, 1899 – January 29, 1961) was a United States Navy Captain and the 29th (27th unique) Governor of American Samoa. He served as governor for a period of only ten days from July 30, 1940 to August 8, 1940. Wallace was born in Beardstown, Illinois on July 17, 1899. On June 20, 1918, Wallace was appointed to the United States Naval Academy from Illinois. After his brief time as governor, Wallace became the chief of staff of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1946 to 1949. He later became chief of staff to the commandant of the Ninth Naval District. Wallace retired in 1952 and died on January 29, 1961; he was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery.