USS Cassin Young DD-793 - Commander John W. Ailes III
Oct 31, 1944 thru Aug 29, 1945
Date of birth: 9-Sep-07
Date of death: 30-Jul-74
Home: Donora, Pennsylvania
Ailes was a member of the crew of the USS Honolulu in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. In addition, he was the commanding officer of the Battleship, USS Iowa (1955-1956) during the Korean War, was Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 6 during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962) and was Inspector General of the United States Navy. He retired a rear Admiral.
As Captain of the USS Cassin Young he was awarded a Silver Star and the Navy Cross.
Silver Star Award:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] John William Ailes, III (NSN: 0-63188), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of he Destroyer U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on the night of 29 July 1945. Joining other destroyers of a radar picket patrol in fighting off an overwhelming enemy suicide air attack, Captain Ailes assumed command of the picket unit when the Flagship began to sink and, directing the operations of his own and another destroyer in the face of additional suicide plane attacks, successfully protected the sinking CALAGHAN from further damage while his ship's gunfire destroyed two hostile planes. At the same time, he directed the rescue of survivors and contributed materially to the saving of numerous lives. His courageous leadership, determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross Award:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John William Ailes, III (NSN: 0-63188), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793), during the air-surface action in the vicinity of Okinawa Jima, on 12 April 1945. While on radar picket station, Commander Ailes skillfully and courageously handled his ship during an attack made by five enemy planes, destroying all enemy planes, and keeping damage to his own ship to a minimum. His ship was able to proceed to a friendly base, under its own power, after the action. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.