1920 Navy Lieutenants: A Post-WWI Brotherhood

This historical photograph shows Lieutenant R.K. Perry and Lieutenant H.W. Goodman, captured on May 7, 1920. Both men served in the United States Navy shortly after the conclusion of World War I, a time when the nation was redefining its military and maritime presence in the world. The image, produced by the Bain News Service, serves as a snapshot of the military culture of the early 20th century, emphasizing the growing naval power of the United States during this transformative period.

The early post-war years were marked by significant change within the U.S. military, as wartime innovations and experiences prompted developments in naval strategy, technology, and training. Officers like Perry and Goodman represented this new wave of leadership. Their careers were taking shape against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics, including the expansion of naval fleets and the establishment of new maritime policies. The photograph not only captures their likenesses but also embodies the evolving role of the Navy in peacekeeping and international diplomacy post-1919.

By preserving this moment in time, the photograph offers insight into the lives of military officers shortly after a globally monumental conflict and invites reflection on their contributions to the American naval tradition. The image stands as a historical artifact, bridging the past with contemporary understanding of military service and national identity.