Joseph Mason "Bull" Reeves (20 November 1872 – 25 March 1948) was an admiral in the United States Navy and an early and important supporter of U.S.

Reeves retired in the mid-1930s but was recalled to active duty during World War II to serve in high-level staff positions within the Office of the Secretary of the Navy.

In addition to his on-field heroics, he is credited with the invention of the modern football helmet, which he had a shoemaker create for him after being told by a Navy doctor that another kick to his head could result in "instant insanity" or death.

He served on the battleship USS Oregon during the Spanish–American War, taking part in the action against Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete's fleet at Santiago de Cuba in June and July 1898.

Detached for shore duty at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California in June 1916, he then commanded the battleship USS Maine during World War I, earning the Navy Cross for "exceptionally meritorious service" during that tour.

Captain of the Mare Island Navy Yard at the end of that year, he afterwards commanded the battleship USS North Dakota in 1922–23, then attended the Naval War College at Newport.

Reeves was recalled to active duty on May 13, 1940, advanced to vice admiral on the retired list, and was attached to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy.

[3] In diplomatic relations with the senior military representatives of the United Nations, Admiral Reeves displayed unusual qualities of leadership and rendered invaluable service in carrying out his duties.

His skill and initiative in bringing about the harmonious distribution of finished materials to meet the demands of all United Nations Services, were essential to the integration of the Allied military organization, and his brilliant analyses of the overall situation were substantial factors in executing logistic plans in accordance with strategic requirements.