Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre... In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honneur. --pub. Milwaukee Sentinel, July 2, 1951. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre... In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honneur. --pub. Milwaukee Sentinel, July 2, 1951.
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Chain of Command
01 May 1945 Relieved Captain Thomas Joseph Keliher, Jr. and became the Sixth Captain of the Battleship USS Indiana BB-58
Other Memories
My Adventures Aboard The Indiana (Verse) When we arrived in the Pacific Ocean, The Captain addressed the officers and crew. He said this is YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING An there's an important job that we must do.
It may take us quite a while, But we will not quit until it's done. And we have defeated the enemy that is from the land, That is called the Land of the Rising Sun.
We cruised up to the Marshalls and Gilbert Islands, Our sixteen inch guns made quite a roar. As we blasted the Japanese defenses, So all our troops could get ashore.
Sometimes the Japs would send out planes. But when they came in to attack Then our five inch thirty eight guns Would send up a wall of flak.
If they happened to get through that, Our forty millimeter tracers would streak across the sky. Then our twenty's would open up on them To make sure they did not get by.
Although they tried their best to sink her, They found the INDIANA hard to sink. And her well trained gun crews, Soon put them all into the drink.
We were at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, And also at Saipan. Where ever the troops needed our fire power, We were there giving them a hand.
We hit a lot of Jap held islands, All of whose names I can't recall. And it would make this poem much too long, If I tried to name them all..
Yes, anywhere that duty called her, The INDIANA and her crew would go. Why we were already in the Bay at Tokyo, When in sailed the MIGHTY MO.
After about three years of battles Up and down the Pacific Seas. We had finally defeated old Hirohito and Tojo. And had brought them to their knees.
So my hat is off to the USS INDIANA Although the seas she never more will roam But she sure kept me safe all through the war And then she brought me safely Home.
Robert Clayton Hankinson, Seaman 1c, 4th Division. Commanding Officer: Captain Francis P. Old.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Wat... Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious ser... The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great responsibility. MoreHide
Comments In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre... In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honneur. --pub. Milwaukee Sentinel, July 2, 1951. MoreHide
Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre... In addition to several WWII theatre ribbons, Admiral Old holds the Distinguishce Service Medal, three Legion of Merit Medals, the Distinguished Service Order of Britian, and the French Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honneur. --pub. Milwaukee Sentinel, July 2, 1951.
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Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Wat... Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Wat... Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. MoreHide
Description On January 1944, in conjunction with a frontal assault, the Allies attempted to turn the Gustav Line by landing troops at Anzio. But the frontal attack failed, and the Allies were unable to break out On January 1944, in conjunction with a frontal assault, the Allies attempted to turn the Gustav Line by landing troops at Anzio. But the frontal attack failed, and the Allies were unable to break out of the beachhead at Anzio until the Gustav Line was breached in May 1944.... More
Memories Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. ... More
Description (Southern France Campaign 15 August to 14 September 1944) While the Germans were retreating in Italy in the summer of 1944, the Allies diverted some of their strength in the theater to the invasion of(Southern France Campaign 15 August to 14 September 1944) While the Germans were retreating in Italy in the summer of 1944, the Allies diverted some of their strength in the theater to the invasion of Southern France. After preliminary bombardment, a combined seaborne-airborne force landed on the French Riviera on 15 August. Marseilles having been taken, Sevmth Army advanced up the Rhone Valley and by mid-September was in touch with Allied forces that had entered France from the north.... More
Memories Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. ... More
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Wat... Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. MoreHide
Description Operation Avalanche was the codename for the Allied landings near the port of Salerno, executed on 9 September 1943, part of the Allied invasion of Italy. The Italians withdrew from the war the day beOperation Avalanche was the codename for the Allied landings near the port of Salerno, executed on 9 September 1943, part of the Allied invasion of Italy. The Italians withdrew from the war the day before the invasion, but the Allies landed in an area defended by German troops. Planned under the name Top Hat, it was supported by the deception plan Operation Boardman.
The landings were carried out by the US Fifth Army, under American General Mark W. Clark. It comprised the U.S. VI Corps, the British X Corps and the US 82nd Airborne Division, a total of about nine divisions. Its primary objectives were to seize the port of Naples to ensure resupply, and to cut across to the east coast, trapping the Axis troops further south.
In order to draw troops away from the landing ground, Operation Baytown was mounted. This was a landing by the British Eighth Army in Calabria in the 'toe' of Italy, on 3 September. Simultaneous sea landings were made by the British 1st Airborne Division at the port of Taranto (Operation Slapstick). British General Bernard Montgomery had predicted Baytown would be a waste of effort because it assumed the Germans would give battle in Calabria; if they failed to do so, the diversion would not work. He was proved correct. After Baytown the Eighth Army marched 300 miles (480 km) north to the Salerno area against no opposition other than engineer obstacles.
The Salerno landings were carried out without previous naval or aerial bombardment in order to achieve surprise. Surprise was not achieved. As the first wave approached the shore at Paestum a loudspeaker from the landing area proclaimed in English, "Come on in and give up. We have you covered." The troops attacked nonetheless.
The Germans had established artillery and machine-gun posts and scattered tanks through the landing zones which made progress difficult, but the beach areas were captured. Around 07:00 a concerted counterattack was made by the 16th Panzer Division. It caused heavy casualties, but was beaten off. Both the British and the Americans made slow progress, and still had a 10 miles (16 km) gap between them at the end of day one. They linked up by the end of day two and occupied 35–45 miles (56–72 km) of coastline to a depth of 6–7 miles (9.7–11.3 km).
Over 12–14 September the Germans organized a concerted counterattack by six divisions of motorized troops, hoping to throw the Salerno beachhead into the sea before it could link with the British Eighth Army. Heavy casualties were inflicted, as the Allied troops were too thinly spread to be able to resist concentrated attacks. The outermost troops were therefore withdrawn in order to reduce the perimeter. The new perimeter was held with the assistance of naval and aerial support, although the German attacks reached almost to the beaches in places. Allied pilots slept under the wings of their fighters in order to beat a hasty retreat to Sicily in the event German forces broke the beachhead.... More
Memories Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France Francis Old took part in the attack at Salerno, was chief of statt at Anzio and the southern France landings, and the invasions of Italy and France as the Commander Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. He also participated in the Battle of Japan. ... More
Chain of Command
1941 Returning to the United States, he served in the Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, Washington, DC. First he served in the Administrative Section Naval Reserve Division and later as Head of Naval Reserve Appointments and Records.
Chain of Command
July 1938 to early 1941 Gunnery Officer and later Operations Officer on the staff of Commander Cruisers, Scouting Force, USS Chicago, Flagship.
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Description USS Chicago was part of the Scouting Force operating along the east coast and in the Caribbean until October 1939 and then returned to base at San Pedro, California. Chicago was one of six ships to re... USS Chicago was part of the Scouting Force operating along the east coast and in the Caribbean until October 1939 and then returned to base at San Pedro, California. Chicago was one of six ships to receive the new RCA CXAM RADAR in 1940. Chicago continued to operate out of San Pedro until 29 September 1940, when she sailed to Pearl Harbor. MoreHide
Other Memories
June 1935 to May 1937 Served as Aide to the Commandant Thirteenth Naval District, Seattle, WA. He had additional duty during the Spring 1936 inspecting Naval Stations in the Alaskan Area.
Other Memories
1925 to 1927 During these years he was under instruction in mechanical engineering at the Postgraduate School, Annapolis, MD and Columbia University, New York, NY. He received the degree of Master of Science from Columbia in 1927.
Other Memories
As a midshipman he had World War I service on the battleships USS Nebraska and USS Arizona operating with the Atlantic Fleet during the summers of 1917 and 1918.
Old graduated and was commissioned Ensign in June 1919 with the Class of 1920
Criteria The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American... The World War I Victory Medal was awarded for military service during the First World War. It was awarded for active service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918; for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia between November 12, 1918, and August 5, 1919; or for service with the American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia between November 23, 1918, and April 1, 1920. MoreHide
Other Memories
As a midshipman he had World War I service on the battleships USS Nebraska and USS Arizona operating with the Atlantic Fleet during the summers of 1917 and 1918.
Old graduated and was commissioned Ensign in June 1919 with the Class of 1920
07 July 1951 Commandant, Ninth Naval District, with Headquarters in Chicago, IL.
01 February 1954 Vice Admiral Old was put on the Retired List of the U. S. Navy.