World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Cassin Young was born in Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1912 and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1916. On December 7, 1941, he was Commanding Officer of the repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4) which was badly damaged by enemy bombs and the explosion of the battleship USS Arizona (BB-39). Commander Young proceeded to the bridge and later took personal command of the 3-inch antiaircraft gun. When blown overboard by the blast of a magazine explosion from the USS Arizona, to which the USS Vestal was moored, he swam back to his ship. As a result of several bomb hits, the USS Vestal was afire and taking on a list. Despite severe enemy bombing and strafing at the time, Commander Young moved his ship to an anchorage distant from the USS Arizona, and subsequently beached the USS Vestal determining that such action was required to save his ship. Young was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to Captain in February 1942. He later was given command of the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA-38). On November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Cape Esperance, Captain Young was killed by enemy shells while closely engaging a Japanese battleship. Captain Young posthumously was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign.
World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Cassin Young was born in Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1912 and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1916. On December 7, 1941, he was Commanding Officer of the repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4) which was badly damaged by enemy bombs and the explosion of the battleship USS Arizona (BB-39). Commander Young proceeded to the bridge and later took personal command of the 3-inch antiaircraft gun. When blown overboard by the blast of a magazine explosion from the USS Arizona, to which the USS Vestal was moored, he swam back to his ship. As a result of several bomb hits, the USS Vestal was afire and taking on a list. Despite severe enemy bombing and strafing at the time, Commander Young moved his ship to an anchorage distant from the USS Arizona, and subsequently beached the USS Vestal determining that such action was required to save his ship. Young was awarded the Medal of Honor and promoted to Captain in February 1942. He later was given command of the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA-38). On November 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Cape Esperance, Captain Young was killed by enemy shells while closely engaging a Japanese battleship. Captain Young posthumously was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
Medal of Honor
Captain, U.S. Navy
World War II
Family Members
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