Julius Augustus Furer (October 9, 1880 – June 5, 1963) was a highly decorated naval architect and an engineer in the United States Navy with the rank of rear admiral.

He graduated from high school in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and subsequently received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

While at the academy, Furer was nicknamed "Dutchie" and participated in the naval blockade of Cuba and bombardment of coastal targets during the Spanish–American War in the summer of 1898.

[1][2] He graduated on June 7, 1901, with a Bachelor of Science degree at the top of his class, among his classmates were several future Admirals, including World War II Chief of Naval Operations, Ernest J.

King; and Burrell C. Allen, Ivan E. Bass, John Downes, Arthur P. Fairfield, Charles W. Fisher Jr., George F. Neal, Walter N. Vernou, Manley H. Simons, Rufus F. Zogbaum Jr., Adolphus Andrews and William S.

He then spent one year at sea, then required by law before commissioning, participating mostly in training cruises with the Reserve fleet and patrols with the North Atlantic Squadron.

[4][2] By the end of October 1915, Furer was ordered to Washington, D.C., where he joined the Bureau of Construction and Repair under Rear Admiral David W. Taylor.

He was appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Supply Division of that Bureau and against some opposition by advocates of smaller vessels, he proposed the construction of 110-foot submarine chasers to meet the threat of the German U-boat.

Furer returned to the United States in August 1930 and assumed duty as manager of the industrial department of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

[2] In July 1935, Furer was ordered to Europe and served as assistant naval attaché in London, Paris, Rome, the Hague and Berlin.

Furer returned to the United States in December that year and assumed duty as general inspector for Bureau of Construction and Repair under Rear Admiral William G. DuBose.