On January 9, 2004, James G. Townsley, a lifetime member of the U.S.S. Laffey Association, passed away in Middletown, Ohio at the age of 80.

He served on board for the Laffey from August 1944 through January 1947 and was awarded the " Silver Star Medal " for his performance of duties as the Machine Gun Control Officer on April 16, 1945.

Mr. Townsely was born on December 21, 1923, attended high school in Lebanon, Ohio and completed his formal education at the U. S. Naval Academy prior to joining the Laffey in Pearl Harbor.

He reported on board together with another classmate, Robert Thomsen in August of 1944.

He returned to civilian life in 1947 and was recalled into the Korean Conflict in 1950, during which time he taught navigation at the Naval Academy.

Upon being discharged, he joined the Armco Steel Company, serving this company for 37 years, and retiring as Corporate Vice President of Engineering.

He spent much of his retirement keeping track of his 7 children and 11 grandchildren.

On January 9, 2004, James G. Townsley, a lifetime member of the U.S.S. Laffey Association, passed away in Middletown, Ohio at the age of 80.

He served on board for the Laffey from August 1944 through January 1947 and was awarded the " Silver Star Medal " for his performance of duties as the Machine Gun Control Officer on April 16, 1945.

Mr. Townsely was born on December 21, 1923, attended high school in Lebanon, Ohio and completed his formal education at the U. S. Naval Academy prior to joining the Laffey in Pearl Harbor.

He reported on board together with another classmate, Robert Thomsen in August of 1944.

He returned to civilian life in 1947 and was recalled into the Korean Conflict in 1950, during which time he taught navigation at the Naval Academy.

Upon being discharged, he joined the Armco Steel Company, serving this company for 37 years, and retiring as Corporate Vice President of Engineering.

He spent much of his retirement keeping track of his 7 children and 11 grandchildren.