Willis Winter Bradley

Republican Representative of California's 18th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1884 (70 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 1954

Death

Mid-20th-century American Naval officer and recipient of the Medal of Honor
Served as the Naval Governor of Guam, where he issued Guam’s first Bill of Rights and sought U.S. citizenship for Chamorros
Organized the first free elections of village commissioners in Guam and created the “Guam Guard Mail” service
Elected as a U.S. Representative from California, serving one term
Worked as an assistant to the president of the Pacific Coast Steamship Co. and later as a member of the California State Assembly until his death
Married Sue Worthington Cox and had a family
Died in Santa Barbara, California, and is interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California
The USS Bradley (FF-1041) was named in his honor
Demonstrated heroism during a powder explosion on the USS Pittsburgh, for which he received the Medal of Honor
Had a significant military career, serving in various capacities including gunnery officer, naval inspector, and commanding officer of several ships, as well as roles ashore related to ordnance and explosives
Engaged in progressive political efforts, particularly in his role as Governor of Guam, advocating for civil liberties and democratic processes