Other Memories
Hugh Blanchard Vickery, 83, a retired Navy commander who did intelligence work at the CIA from 1962 to 1969, died of congestive heart failure Dec. 14 at the Collington retirement community in Mitchellville.
Other Memories
ONI then made its claim on Hugh for the time he had spent in their school. He served in ONI for three years and then three more at sea on the 7th Fleet Staff. His last fling in the Pentagon started in 1958 in OP-6O.
Other Memories
ONI then made its claim on Hugh for the time he had spent in their school. He served in ONI for three years and then three more at sea on the 7th Fleet Staff. His last fling in the Pentagon started in 1958 in OP-6O.
Other Memories
ONI then made its claim on Hugh for the time he had spent in their school. He served in ONI for three years and then three more at sea on the 7th Fleet Staff. His last fling in the Pentagon started in 1958 in OP-6O.
Chain of Command
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction.
Other Memories
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction.
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 In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh ma... In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Memories In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO tookIn mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes. ... More
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Memories In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO tookIn mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes. ... More
Description The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lastedThe Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg. was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945. After a long campaign of island hopping, the Allies were approaching Japan, and planned to use Okinawa, a large island only 340 mi (550 km) away from mainland Japan, as a base for air operations on the planned invasion of Japanese mainland (coded Operation Downfall). Four divisions of the U.S. 10th Army (the 7th, 27th, 77th, and 96th) and two Marine Divisions (the 1st and 6th) fought on the island. Their invasion was supported by naval, amphibious, and tactical air forces.
The battle has been referred to as the "typhoon of steel" in English, and tetsu no ame ("rain of steel") or ("violent wind of steel") in Japanese. The nicknames refer to the ferocity of the fighting, the intensity of kamikaze attacks from the Japanese defenders, and to the sheer numbers of Allied ships and armored vehicles that assaulted the island. The battle resulted in the highest number of casualties in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on Okinawan government sources, mainland Japan lost 77,166 soldiers, who were either killed or committed suicide, and the Allies suffered 14,009 deaths (with an estimated total of more than 65,000 casualties of all kinds). Simultaneously, 42,000–150,000 local civilians were killed or committed suicide, a significant proportion of the local population. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki together with the Soviet invasion of Manchuria caused Japan to surrender less than two months after the end of the fighting on Okinawa.... More
Memories In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO tookIn mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes. ... More
Other Memories
In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 April 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
Chain of Command
Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her
Other Memories
In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 April 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
Other Memories
n August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein.
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 In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. 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 In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. 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 In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. MoreHide
Description The plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest PaciThe plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest Pacific under General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and the other in the Central, South, and North Pacific (Pacific Ocean Areas) under Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were created early in the war. Except in the South and Southwest Pacific, each conducted its own operations with its own ground, air, and naval forces in widely separated areas. These operations required at first only a relatively small number of troops whose efforts often yielded strategic gains which cannot be measured by the size of the forces involved. Indeed, the nature of the objectivesùsmall islands, coral atolls, and jungle-bound harbors and airstrips, made the employment of large ground forces impossible and highlighted the importance of air and naval operations. Thus, until 1945, the war in the Pacific progressed by a double series of amphibious operations each of which fitted into a strategic pattern developed in Washington.... More
Memories n August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnern August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. ... More
Description The naval Battle of Kula Gulf took place in the early hours of 6 July 1943 during World War II and was between United States and Japanese ships off the coast of Kolombangara in the Solomon Islands.
BaThe naval Battle of Kula Gulf took place in the early hours of 6 July 1943 during World War II and was between United States and Japanese ships off the coast of Kolombangara in the Solomon Islands.
Background
On 5 July, United States Navy Task Group 36.1 (TG 36.1)—commanded by Rear Admiral Walden L. Ainsworth and consisting of the light cruisers USS Honolulu (CL-48), USS St. Louis (CL-49), and USS Helena (CL-50), plus four destroyers, had received word of another "Tokyo Express" mission down "the Slot" in the Solomon Islands, and the task group proceeded northwest past New Georgia Island.
The Allies were in the process of launching their next offensive in the Solomon Islands, having just landed troops on the island of Rendova as a preliminary step to seizing the major Japanese airstrip at Munda on New Georgia Island. In support of this landing, which was to set up an initial beachhead for moving U.S. troops across Blanche Channel to New Georgia, Admiral Ainsworth had the night before conducted a cruiser bombardment of Vila on Kolombangara Island and Bairoko on New Georgia and, short of fuel and ammunition, was in the process of retiring to the Coral Sea to replenish. A U.S. Marine landing was scheduled on the northern shore of New Georgia on 10 July, that would require further naval support.
Battle
At 01:06 off Kolombangara, the task group came into contact with a Japanese reinforcement group commanded by Admiral Teruo Akiyama which consisted of ten destroyers loaded with 2,600 combat troops that were bound for Vila, which they used as a staging point for moving into Munda. The Japanese were divided into two forces, a formation of three escorts trailing the main column first came under attack.
The U.S. ships opened fire at 01:57, firing 612 shells in 21 minutes and six seconds, quickly sinking the destroyer Niizuki and killing Admiral Akiyama. However, Helena had expended all of her flashless powder the previous night, she was forced to use smokeless powder, thus illuminating herself to the Japanese ships with every salvo. Two of the Japanese destroyers launched their Long Lance torpedoes and hit Helena, fatally damaging her. The main Japanese force, which had countermarched away from Vila with the first contact, then broke away, having landed only 850 of the 2,600 troops. The Japanese destroyer Nagatsuki ran aground, while Hatsuyuki was damaged.
Both forces began to withdraw from the area, but one Japanese and two American destroyers remained to rescue survivors. At about 05:00, the destroyers Amagiri and USS Nicholas exchanged torpedoes and gunfire. Amagiri was hit and retired. The beached Nagatsuki was abandoned by her crew in the morning, she was bombed and destroyed by American aircraft.
Aftermath
The destroyers USS Radford and Nicholas both stayed behind to rescue survivors from Helena. While rescuing over 750 men, Radford and Nicholas had to reengage the enemy three times, they were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their rescue. Amagiri escaped and later rammed and cut in half the motor torpedo boat USS PT-109, captained by future President of the United States John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), in Blackett Strait southwest of Kolombangara on August 2. ... More
Memories n August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnern August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. ... More
Description The Battle of Tarawa (US code name Operation Galvanic) was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It took place at the Tarawa Atoll in the GilbeThe Battle of Tarawa (US code name Operation Galvanic) was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It took place at the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, located in what is now the nation of Kiribati. Nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans, and Americans died in the fighting, mostly on and around the small island of Betio.
The Battle of Tarawa was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region. It was also the first time in the war that the United States faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing. Previous landings met little or no initial resistance. but this time the 4,500 Japanese defenders were well-supplied and well-prepared, and they fought almost to the last man, exacting a heavy toll on the United States Marine Corps. The U.S. had suffered similar casualties in other campaigns, for example over the six months of the Guadalcanal Campaign, but in this case the losses were incurred within the space of 76 hours.... More
Memories n August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnern August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. ... More
Other Memories
Hugh reported to TRENTON (CL-11). In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia.
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Description In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. 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 In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. 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 In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo was a land battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, between the forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied (mainly United States (U.S.) Marine) grThe Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo was a land battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, between the forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied (mainly United States (U.S.) Marine) ground forces. It took place from 7–9 August 1942 on the Solomon Islands, during the initial Allied landings in the Guadalcanal campaign.
In the battle, U.S. Marines, under the overall command of U.S. Major General Alexander Vandegrift, successfully landed and captured the islands of Tulagi, Gavutu, and Tanambogo among which the Japanese Navy had constructed a naval and seaplane base. The landings were fiercely resisted by the Japanese Navy troops who, outnumbered and outgunned by the Allied forces, fought and died almost to the last man.
At the same time that the landings on Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo were taking place, Allied troops were also landing on nearby Guadalcanal, with the objective of capturing an airfield under construction by Japanese forces. In contrast to the intense fighting on Tulagi and Gavutu, the landings on Guadalcanal were essentially unopposed. The landings on both Tulagi and Guadalcanal initiated the six-month long Guadalcanal campaign and a series of combined-arms battles between Allied and Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area.... More
Memories n August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnern August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. ... More
Description Operation Torch (initially called Operation Gymnast) ( 8 - 16 November 1942) was the British-American invasion of French North Africa during the North African Campaign of the Second World War which stOperation Torch (initially called Operation Gymnast) ( 8 - 16 November 1942) was the British-American invasion of French North Africa during the North African Campaign of the Second World War which started on 8 November 1942. Background A map of Allied convoys heading from the British Isles to North Africa. The Allies planned an Anglo-American invasion of northwestern Africa - Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, territory nominally in the hands of the Vichy French government. With much of North Africa already under Allied control, this would allow the Allies to carry out a pincer operation against Axis forces in North Africa. The Vichy French had around 125,000 soldiers in the territories as well as coastal artillery, 210 operational but out-of-date tanks and about 500 aircraft, half of which were Dewoitine D.520 fighters - equal to many British and U.S. fighters. In addition, there were 10 or so warships and 11 submarines at Casablanca. The Allies believed that the Vichy French forces would not fight, partly because of information supplied by American Consul Robert Daniel Murphy in Algiers. The French were former Allies of the U.S. and the American troops were instructed not to fire unless they were fired upon. However, they harbored suspicions that the Vichy French navy would bear a grudge over the British action at Mers-el-Kebir in 1940. An assessment of the sympathies of the French forces in North Africa was essential, and plans were made to secure their cooperation, rather than resistance. German support for the Vichy French came in the shape of air support. Several Luftwaffe bomber wings undertook anti-shipping strikes against Allied ports in Algiers and along the North African coast. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was given command of the operation, and he set up his headquarters in Gibraltar. The Allied Naval Commander of the Expeditionary Force would be Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham; his deputy was Vice-Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, who would plan the amphibious landings. Allied operational plans Planners identified Oran (a large port with plentiful airfields within range of Gibraltar to facilitate the build up of Allied land-based airforces) and also Algiers and Casablanca (important ports and the major administrative centres) as key targets. Ideally there should also be a landing at Tunis to secure Tunisia and facilitate the rapid interdiction of supplies travelling via Tripoli to Rommel's forces in Libya. However, Tunis was much too close to the Axis airfields in Sicily and Sardinia for any hope of success. A compromise would be to land at Bone, some 300 miles (480 km) closer to Tunis than Algiers. Limited resources dictated that the Allies could only make three landings and Eisenhower who believed that any plan must include landings at Oran and Algiers, had two main alternatives: either to land at Casablanca, Oran and Algiers and then make as rapid a move as possible to Tunis some 500 miles (800 km) east of Algiers once the Vichy opposition was suppressed; or land at Oran, Algiers and Bone and then advance overland to Casablanca some 500 miles (800 km) west of Oran. He favoured the latter because of the advantages it gave to an early capture of Tunis and also because the Atlantic swells off Casablanca presented considerably greater risks to an amphibious landing there than would be encountered in the Mediterranean. The Combined Chiefs of Staff, however, were concerned that should Operation Torch precipitate Spain to abandon neutrality and join the Axis, the Straits of Gibraltar could be closed cutting the entire Allied force's lines of communication. They therefore chose the Casablanca option as the less risky since the forces in Algeria and Tunisia could be supplied overland from Casablanca (albeit with considerable difficulty) in the event of closure of the straits. Eisenhower in accepting this pointed out that the decision removed the early capture of Tunis from the probable to only the remotely possible because of the extra time it would afford the Axis to move forces into Tunisia. Intelligence gathering In July 1941, Mieczysaw Sowikowski (using the codename "Rygor" Polish for "Rigor") set up "Agency Africa", one of the Second World War's most successful intelligence organizations. His Polish allies in these endeavors included Lt. Col. Gwido Langer and Major Maksymilian Ciżki. The information gathered by the Agency was used by the Americans and British in planning the amphibious November 1942 Operation Torch landings in North Africa. Preliminary contact with Vichy French To gauge the feeling of the Vichy French forces, Murphy was appointed to the American consulate in Algeria. His covert mission was to determine the mood of the French forces and to make contact with elements that might support an Allied invasion. He succeeded in contacting several French officers, including General Charles Mast, the French commander-in-chief in Algiers. These officers were willing to support the Allies, but asked for a clandestine conference with a senior Allied General in Algeria. Major General Mark W. Clark - one of Eisenhower's senior commanders?was dispatched to Cherchell in Algeria aboard the British submarine HMS Seraph passing itself off as an American submarine and met with these Vichy French officers on 21 October 1942. With help from the Resistance, the Allies also succeeded in slipping French General Henri Giraud out of Vichy France on HMS Seraph, intending to offer him the post of commander in chief of French forces in North Africa after the invasion. However, Giraud would take no position lower than commander in chief of all the invading forces, a job already given to Eisenhower. When he was refused, he decided to remain "a spectator in this affair". Battle The Allies organized three amphibious task forces to seize the key ports and airports of Morocco and Algeria simultaneously, targeting Casablanca, Oran and Algiers. Successful completion of these operations was to be followed by an advance eastwards into Tunisia. The Western Task Force (aimed at Casablanca) comprised American units, with Major General George Patton in command and Rear Admiral Henry K. Hewitt heading the naval operations. This Western Task Force consisted of the U.S. 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions; 35,000 troops in a convoy of over 100 ships. They were transported directly from the U.S. in the first of a new series of UG convoys providing logistic support for the North African campaign. The Center Task Force, aimed at Oran, included the U.S. 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, and the U.S. 1st Armored Division a total of 18,500 troops. They sailed from Britain and were commanded by Major General Lloyd Fredendall, the naval forces being commanded by Commodore Thomas Troubridge. The Eastern Task Force, aimed at Algiers?was commanded by Lieutenant-General Kenneth Anderson and consisted of two brigades from the British 78th and the U.S. 34th Infantry Divisions, along with two British Commando units (No.1 and No. 6 Commando), totaling 20,000 troops. During the landing phase the force was to be commanded by U.S. Major General Charles W. Ryder, commander of the 34th Division, as it was felt that a U.S.-led invasion would be more acceptable to the French defenders than one led by the British; many British troops wore American uniform, for the same reason.Naval forces were commanded by Vice-Admiral Sir Harold Burrough. U-boats, operating in the eastern Atlantic area crossed by the invasion convoys, had been drawn away to attack trade convoy SL 125. Some historians have suggested the timing of this trade convoy was an intentional tactical diversion to prevent submarine attacks on the troop transports. Aerial operations were split into two, east of Cape Tenez in Algeria, with British aircraft under Air Marshal Sir William Welsh and west of Cape Tenez, all American aircraft under Major General Jimmy Doolittle, under the direct command of Major General Patton. Curtiss P-40s of the 33rd Fighter Group were launched from United States Navy escort carriers and landed at Port Lyautey on November 10. Additional air support was provided by the carrier USS Ranger, whose squadrons intercepted Vichy aircraft and bombed hostile ships. Casablanca Flyers that was distributed by the Allied forces in the streets of Casablanca, calling the citizens to cooperate with the Allied forces. The Western Task Force landed before daybreak on 8 November 1942, at three points in Morocco: Safi (Operation Blackstone), Fedala (Operation Brushwood, the largest landing with 19,000 men), and Mehdiya-Port Lyautey (Operation Goalpost). Because it was hoped that the French would not resist, there were no preliminary bombardments. This proved to be a costly error as French defenses took a toll of American landing forces. On the night of 7 November, pro-Allied General Antoine Bothouart attempted a coup d'etat against the French command in Morocco, so that he could surrender to the Allies the next day. His forces surrounded the villa of General Charles Nogus, the Vichy-loyal high commissioner. However, Nogus telephoned loyal forces, who stopped the coup. In addition, the coup attempt alerted Nogus to the impending Allied invasion, and he immediately bolstered French coastal defenses. At Safi, the landings were mostly successful. The landings were begun without covering fire, in the hope that the French would not resist at all. However, once French coastal batteries opened fire, Allied warships returned fire. By the time General Harmon arrived, French snipers had pinned the assault troops (most of whom were in combat for the first time) on Safi's beaches. Most of the landings occurred behind schedule. Carrier aircraft destroyed a French truck convoy bringing reinforcements to the beach defenses. Safi surrendered on the afternoon of 8 November. By 10 November, the remaining defenders were pinned down, and the bulk of Harmon's forces raced to join the siege of Casablanca. At Port-Lyautey, the landing troops were uncertain of their position, and the second wave was delayed. This gave the French defenders time to organize resistance, and the remaining landings were conducted under artillery bombardment. With the assistance of air support from the carriers, the troops pushed ahead, and the objectives were captured. At Fedala, weather disrupted the landings. The landing beaches again came under French fire after daybreak. Patton landed at 08:00, and the beachheads were secured later in the day. The Americans surrounded the port of Casablanca by 10 November, and the city surrendered an hour before the final assault was due to take place. Casablanca was the principal French Atlantic naval base after German occupation of the European coast. The Naval Battle of Casablanca resulted from a sortie of French cruisers, destroyers, and submarines opposing the landings. A cruiser, six destroyers, and six submarines were destroyed by American gunfire and aircraft. The incomplete French battleship Jean Bart which was docked and immobile fired on the landing force with her one working gun turret until disabled by American gunfire. Two American destroyers were damaged. Oran A transport of 116 Supermarine Spitfires sent by sea was assembled in just eleven days at North Front, Gibraltar. The Center Task Force was split between three beaches, two west of Oran and one east. Landings at the westernmost beach were delayed because of a French convoy which appeared while the minesweepers were clearing a path. Some delay and confusion, and damage to landing ships, was caused by the unexpected shallowness of water and sandbars; although periscope observations had been carried out, no reconnaissance parties had landed on the beaches to determine the local maritime conditions. This was in contrast to later amphibious assaults such as Operation Overlord in which considerable weight was given to pre-invasion reconnaissance. The U.S. 1st Ranger Battalion landed east of Oran and quickly captured the shore battery at Arzew. An attempt was made to land U.S. infantry at the harbour directly, in order to quickly prevent destruction of the port facilities and scuttling of ships. The operation code named Operation Reservist failed, as the two Banff-class sloops were destroyed by crossfire from the French vessels there. The Vichy French naval fleet broke from the harbour and attacked the Allied invasion fleet but its ships were all sunk or driven ashore. French batteries and the invasion fleet exchanged fire throughout 8-9 November, with French troops defending Oran and the surrounding area stubbornly. Heavy fire from the British battleships brought about Oran's surrender on 9 November. Airborne landings Torch was the first major airborne assault carried out by the U.S. The U.S. 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment flew all the way from Britain, over Spain, intending to drop near Oran and capture airfields at Tafraoui and La Sania respectively 15 miles (24 km) and 5 miles (8 km) south of Oran. The operation was marked by weather, navigational and communication problems. Poor weather over Spain and the extreme range caused widespread scattering and forced 30 of the 37 aircraft to land in the dry salt lake to the west of the objective. Nevertheless both airports were captured. Algiers Resistance and coup As agreed at Cherchell, in the early hours of 8 November 400 French Resistance fighters staged a coup in the city of Algiers. Starting at midnight, the force under the command of Henri d'Astier de la Vigerie and Josu Aboulker seized key targets, including the telephone exchange, radio station, governor's house and the headquarters of 19th Corps. Robert Murphy took some men and then drove to the residence of General Alphonse Juin, the senior French Army officer in North Africa. While they surrounded his house (making Juin effectively a prisoner) Murphy attempted to persuade him to side with the Allies. However, he was treated to a surprise: Admiral Franois Darlan-the commander of all French forces was also in Algiers on a private visit. Juin insisted on contacting Darlan, and Murphy was unable to persuade either to side with the Allies. In the early morning, the local Gendarmerie arrived and released both Juin and Darlan. Invasion On 8 November 1942, the invasion commenced with landings split between three beaches, two west of Algiers and one east. Under overall command of Major General Charles W. Ryder, commander U.S. 34th Infantry Division, British 11th Brigade Group from British 78th Infantry Division, landed on the right hand beach, U.S. 168 Regimental Combat Team, from U.S. 34th Infantry Division, supported by 6th Commando and most of 1st Commando on the middle beach while U.S. 39th Regimental Combat Team, also from 34th Division, supported by the remaining 5 troops from 1st Commando landed on the left hand beach. British 36th Brigade Group from 78th Division stood by in floating reserve. Though some landings went to the wrong beaches, this was immaterial because of the extremely low level of French opposition. All the coastal batteries had been neutralized by French resistance, and one French commander openly welcomed the landing Allies. The only fighting took place in the port of Algiers itself, where in Operation Terminal two British destroyers attempted to land a party of U.S. Rangers directly onto the dock, in order to prevent the French destroying the port facilities and scuttling their ships. Heavy artillery fire prevented one destroyer from landing but the other was able to debark 250 Rangers before it too was driven back to sea. The landed troops pushed quickly inland and General Juin surrendered the city to the Allies at 18:00.mor... More
Memories In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunneIn August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. ... More
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 In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. MoreHide
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
Description In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine,... In August, 1941, she escorted allied merchantmen in the Pacific approaches to the Panama Canal, and in December, 1941, escorted troop ships to Australia. In August, 1942, Hugh reported to Bath, Maine, for the commissioning of USS TAYLOR (DD-468) as gunnery officer. After a minimum shakedown, TAYLOR was off to North African operations. Next it was through the Panama Canal and a year of nightly battles around the Solomons as well as frequent air defense actions; TAYLOR was an early fighter director ship. Along the way, TAYLOR caught RO-25 on the surface in Kula Gulf and sank her with gunfire. The squadron transferred to the Central Pacific in time for Tarawa and Halsey's first raid on Kwajalein. In mid-December, 1943, back in San Francisco, Hugh was ordered to MAYO (DD-422) as XO, but MAYO took torpedo damage in the Med and Hugh never caught up to her. While awaiting orders in BuPers, Hugh married Dorothy Borden (Penny), whom he had known since dancing school days. He was ordered to GAINARD (DD-706) and she joined the fleet just in time for D-Day at Okinawa (1 Apri1 1945). Though not specially fitted as a fighter director ship, GAINARD served more days on radar picket and as fighter director ship than any other ship present, all without damage by kamikazes.
As the war ended, Hugh took command of USS METCALF (DD- 595), one of the last Fletcher class. He then reported to the Naval Intelligence and Language School for instruction. MoreHide
Hugh Blanchard Vickery, 83, a retired Navy commander who did intelligence work at the CIA from 1962 to 1969, died of congestive heart failure Dec. 14 at the Collington retirement community in Mitchellville.