World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Manila, Philippine Islands and served as a Commander in the United States Navy during World War II. The commanding officer of the "USS Walke," on January 6, 1945, he and his ship were in support of minesweeping operations to clear waters for entry of amphibious forces for the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands. When 4 Japanese suicide planes were detected flying to attack simultaneously he boldly took his position in the bridge and directed fire control to the leading plane. Deadly fire sent the first target crashing into the water and caught the second as it passed. He remained as the third plane plunged to crash the bridge structure and was seriously wounded when the craft struck. Drenched with gasoline and enveloped in flames, he rallied his command to save the ship and saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber. When the safety of the ship was assured, he consented to be carried below and several hours later died. His Medal of Honor was accredited to the Philippine Islands; other Navy awards he was honored with include the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart and Legion of Merit. He entered the service from Hawaii.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was born in Manila, Philippine Islands and served as a Commander in the United States Navy during World War II. The commanding officer of the "USS Walke," on January 6, 1945, he and his ship were in support of minesweeping operations to clear waters for entry of amphibious forces for the invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, Philippine Islands. When 4 Japanese suicide planes were detected flying to attack simultaneously he boldly took his position in the bridge and directed fire control to the leading plane. Deadly fire sent the first target crashing into the water and caught the second as it passed. He remained as the third plane plunged to crash the bridge structure and was seriously wounded when the craft struck. Drenched with gasoline and enveloped in flames, he rallied his command to save the ship and saw the barrage from his guns destroy the fourth suicide bomber. When the safety of the ship was assured, he consented to be carried below and several hours later died. His Medal of Honor was accredited to the Philippine Islands; other Navy awards he was honored with include the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart and Legion of Merit. He entered the service from Hawaii.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
IN MEMORY OF
MEDAL OF HONOR
CDR US NAVY WORLD WAR II
SILVER STAR LM BSM PH
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