He entered the United States Naval Academy at age 15, and after graduation in 1905 served on various ships.

From 1910-1911 he taught electricity, physics, and chemistry at the Naval Academy, then from 1912-1914 (and again 1923-1925) served as the first Fleet Radio Officer, where he created the Navy's tactical signaling codes.

He was forcibly retired in January 1943 following a clash with Federal Communications Commission chairman James Lawrence Fly in mid-1942, though remained activated until June 1945.

In 1945 he received the Elliott Cresson Medal for research in radio electronics from the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, and in 1948 an honorary LL.D.

He also received the French Légion d'honneur, the Department of Navy Electronics Trophy, and the Marconi Medal of Honor.