Following his graduation in 1907, Ingram served in several battleships, cruisers and destroyers. As turret officer of the battleship , he established a world's record for firing guns. On April 22, 1914, he
landed at Veracruz, Mexico with the
Arkansas battalion and was later awarded the
Medal of Honor for "distinguished conduct in battle" and "skillful and efficient handling of the artillery and machine guns".
World War I and interwar years During World War I, Ingram was awarded the
Navy Cross for his services on the staff of Rear Admiral
Hugh Rodman, Commander, Division Nine, Battle Force,
Atlantic Fleet. Earning the rank of commander in 1924, Ingram became the commanding officer of the destroyer before returning to the United States Naval Academy to serve as both athletic director and football director from 1926 to 1930. Ingram moved on to command the battleship for a period of time after that, before serving as
Officer-in-Charge of the
Public Relations Branch. Prior to his promotion to captain in 1935, Ingram served as an aide to the
Secretary of the Navy, then returned to the sea as commander of
Destroyer Squadron Six. Ashore, he was
Captain of the Yard,
New York Navy Yard in
Brooklyn,
New York before returning to sea, in command of the battleship .
World War II In the early years of World War II, Ingram was promoted to
rear admiral on January 10, 1941, and served as
Commander Task Force Three prior to his designation in September 1942 as
Commander South Atlantic Force,
United States Atlantic Fleet, with the rank of
vice admiral. This force, with headquarters in Brazil, guarded shipping in the coastal waters south of the Equator and throughout the United States zone of responsibility in the South Atlantic. Ingram's command included air and surface units of Brazil which were brought to a high state of efficiency through his leadership and coordinating efforts. The ability to develop and maintain harmony and close cooperation with Brazilian naval forces contributed to the control of the South Atlantic achieved by the Allies. He assumed personal responsibility for properly equipping and training the Brazilian Navy and for their combat operations against U-Boats and German raiders and later for the important task of maintaining the air and sea rescue patrol for ultimate deployment in the Pacific. For his services in these important commands, he was awarded the
Navy Distinguished Service Medal and a gold
award star in lieu of a second award. On November 15, 1944, Ingram was appointed
Commander-in-Chief,
United States Atlantic Fleet, with the rank of
admiral. In this command he played a major role in assuring the steady flow of troops and materials to Europe across the Atlantic during the later phases of World War II. He also directed Atlantic Fleet efforts in containing and destroying the German U-Boat fleet. For exceptionally meritorious service during his command, he was awarded a gold
award star in lieu of a third
Distinguished Service Medal. Detached from duty as Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, during September 1946, he subsequently retired from active duty on April 1, 1947, after 44 years of service. ==Football commissioner==