Fairbanks, Douglas Elton, Jr., CAPT

Commander Fairbanks was born in New York, New York, on 9 December 1909, son of the late Douglas Fairbanks and Anna Beth (Sully) Fairbanks, later Mrs. Jack Whiting. He attended the Bovee School in New York and Collegiate Military and Knickerbocker Grays, New York; the Pasadena Polytechnic Institute, California; and tutored in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles.

In civil life, Commander Fairbanks was an actor and writer, and had been assistant producer in the fields of motion pictures and the theater. He was active in foreign affairs through the State Department, and, prior to entering the Navy, was assigned as the President's envoy to certain South American countries on a diplomatic and special mission.

Commander Fairbanks passed away 7 May 2000 in New York City.

Silver Star
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached to a special task group during the amphibious assault on Italy in September 1943. While attached to the staff of Commander United States Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters, Lieutenant Commander Fairbanks ably assisted in formulating important plans for mixed Allied operations of a highly technical and complex nature. Later, while temporarily assigned to the staff of a Naval Task Group Commander, he accompanied the combat units which successfully executed these plans and contributed materially to their accomplishment. During the occupation of the Island of Ventotene, he courageously led a landing party ashore and established important picket positions while exposed to enemy rifle fire, thereby contributing greatly to the successful accomplishment of this mission. The exceptional courage and fearless leadership under fire displayed by Lieutenant Commander Douglas E. Fairbanks, Jr., U.S. Naval reserve, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service."

Legion of Merit
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Special Operations Planning Officer on the Staff of a Major Naval Task Force Commander and as Commander of a Naval Task Force Unit prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Working tirelessly and with sound application of superior tactical knowledge, Lieutenant Commander Fairbanks participated in the development and coordination of plans for the execution of special operations in support of the main Allied landings. Subsequently, as Commander of a Task Unit, he expeditiously established special troops on the flank of the major assault area for the purpose of immobilizing enemy reinforcements attempting to resist the landings. On the morning of August 17, when two hostile vessels attacked a group of smaller craft, he courageously led the ships of his unit into action and, aggressively directing the combat operations with expert seamanship against heavy odds, greatly aided in the ultimate sinking of the two vessels. By his brilliant leadership and steadfast devotion to duty throughout this vital period, Lieutenant Commander Fairbanks contributed materially to the successful invasion of a highly strategic area."