Sherman graduated from the
United States Naval Academy in 1910. He served as commanding officer of
submarines and during
World War I. After becoming a
naval aviator, Sherman served as executive officer of in 1937, and of
Naval Air Station San Diego to 1938. He commanded from 1940 until her loss in the
Battle of the Coral Sea. Captain Sherman was the last man to leave the sinking ship. His wife wrote a book titled
Admiral Wags which told the story of the family cocker spaniel who accompanied Sherman during his command of
Lexington. The dog can be seen in war footage used in the John Wayne movie ''In Harm's Way''. Promoted to rear admiral, Sherman served as assistant chief of staff to Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet, Admiral
Ernest King until the end of 1942. He served in the
Fast Carrier Task Force, as Commander,
Carrier Division 2 in 1943, and as Commander, Task Group 38.3 in 1944–45. Sherman was a three-time recipient of the
Navy Cross. Promoted to vice admiral in 1945, he became Commander,
United States Fifth Fleet before retiring in 1947. Upon retirement, he was promoted to admiral on the retired list. ==Later life and legacy==