MAXSON, WILLIS EDWARD, III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willis Edward Maxson, III, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Junior Officer of the Watch onboard the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), during an attack by a U.S. warship on an enemy base at Wake Island on 7 October 1943 Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson defied extreme danger to remain steadfastly at his post while his ship effected the hazardous rescue of two naval aviators shot down within 5000 yards of the Japanese base. While searching for a third, the vessel was attacked by a Japanese dive-bomber, and was forced to dive to escape. During this action, while braving concentrated fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson received a mortal wound. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. He was the only US submariner KIA during airmen rescue operations.
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Bill's only child, Diane (FaG #51908675) was born the month following his death. His widow died over 75 years later.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willis Edward Maxson, III, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Junior Officer of the Watch onboard the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), during an attack by a U.S. warship on an enemy base at Wake Island on 7 October 1943 Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson defied extreme danger to remain steadfastly at his post while his ship effected the hazardous rescue of two naval aviators shot down within 5000 yards of the Japanese base. While searching for a third, the vessel was attacked by a Japanese dive-bomber, and was forced to dive to escape. During this action, while braving concentrated fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson received a mortal wound. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. He was the only US submariner KIA during airmen rescue operations.
-------------------
Bill's only child, Diane (FaG #51908675) was born the month following his death. His widow died over 75 years later.
MAXSON, WILLIS EDWARD, III
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willis Edward Maxson, III, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Junior Officer of the Watch onboard the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), during an attack by a U.S. warship on an enemy base at Wake Island on 7 October 1943 Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson defied extreme danger to remain steadfastly at his post while his ship effected the hazardous rescue of two naval aviators shot down within 5000 yards of the Japanese base. While searching for a third, the vessel was attacked by a Japanese dive-bomber, and was forced to dive to escape. During this action, while braving concentrated fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson received a mortal wound. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. He was the only US submariner KIA during airmen rescue operations.
-------------------
Bill's only child, Diane (FaG #51908675) was born the month following his death. His widow died over 75 years later.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Willis Edward Maxson, III, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Junior Officer of the Watch onboard the U.S.S. SKATE (SS-305), during an attack by a U.S. warship on an enemy base at Wake Island on 7 October 1943 Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson defied extreme danger to remain steadfastly at his post while his ship effected the hazardous rescue of two naval aviators shot down within 5000 yards of the Japanese base. While searching for a third, the vessel was attacked by a Japanese dive-bomber, and was forced to dive to escape. During this action, while braving concentrated fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Maxson received a mortal wound. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. He was the only US submariner KIA during airmen rescue operations.
-------------------
Bill's only child, Diane (FaG #51908675) was born the month following his death. His widow died over 75 years later.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Texas.
Family Members
Siblings
