The history of naval excellence at VMI dates back to the nineteenth century, as Institute cadets and alumni have taken the values of discipline, honor, service, and sacrifice instilled here on to illustrious careers in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.
Notable general and flag officers from the pre-NROTC years include:
United States Navy
| VMI Class | Alumnus | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| VMI Class | Alumnus | Rank |
| 1899 | Staton, Adolphus | Rear Admiral |
| 1902 | Upshur, William P | Major General |
| 1906 | James, Jules | Vice Admiral |
| 1908 | Byrd Jr, Richard E. | Rear Admiral |
| 1909 | King Jr, Ogden D. | Rear Admiral |
| 1909 | Read, Oliver M. | Vice Admiral |
| 1912 | Harrill, William K. | Vice Admiral |
| 1915 | Tobin, Robert G. | Rear Admiral |
| 1916 | Hartt Jr, William H. | Rear Admiral |
| 1918 | Cruzen, Richard H. | Vice Admiral |
| 1921 | Davis, James K. | Rear Admiral |
| 1923 | Phelan, George R. | Admiral |
| 1929 | Seay, George C. | Rear Admiral |
| 1934 | Yon, Joseph L. | Rear Admiral |
| 1945 | Grojean, Charles | Rear Admiral |
| 1948-B | Josephson, John V | Rear Admiral |
| 1950-B | Ward, Tom | Rear Admiral |
| 1960 | Seely, James W. | Rear Admiral |
United States Marine Corps
| VMI Class | Alumnus | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1902 | Upshur, William P | Major General |
| 1912 | Howard, Samuel L. | Major General |
| 1913 | Kingman, Matthew H. | Brigadier General |
| 1914 | Clement, William T. | Lieutenant General |
| 1915 | Griffin, Raphael | Brigadier General |
| 1917 | Cumming, Samuel C. | Brigadier General |
| 1917 | Shepherd, Lemuel C. * | General |
| 1921 | Pate, Randolph Mc. ** | General |
| 1921 | Puller, Lewis B. | Lieutenant General |
| 1923 | Chappell, Clarence J. | Brigadier General |
| 1923 | Franklin Jr, Albert G. | Brigadier General |
| 1924 | Ferguson, Edwin C. | Brigadier General |
| 1924 | Hart, John N. | Major General |
| 1924 | Letcher, John S. | Brigadier General |
| 1924 | Marshall, St. Julien R. | Brigadier General |
| 1925 | Freeman, Calvin R. | Brigadier General |
| 1931 | Shell, George R. E. | Brigadier General |
| 1935 | Burton Jr, Custis | Brigadier General |
| 1935 | Riley, Thomas F. | Brigadier General |
| 1936 | Banks, Charles L. | Brigadier General |
| 1946 | Ashley, Maurice C. | Brigadier General |
| 1954 | Gary III, John H. | Brigadier General |
| 1959 | Breth, Frank J. | Brigadier General |
| 1965 | Amos, Granville R. | Brigadier General |
* 20th Commandant of Marine Corps (1952-55)
** 21st Commandant of Marine Corps (1956-59)
