Other Memories
The call of the sea was strong, and the war clouds were gathering, with the result that in September 1941, Dr. MacCracken enlisted in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He was retired from the Naval Service with the rank of Commander and subsequently became associated in the practice of orthopaedics with Dr. Francis Scott of Huntington, West Virginia, on February 1, 1946. Dr. MacCracken was in active practice until the time of his death. He was a Member and Past-President of the Russell A. Hibbs Society, a Member of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Tri-State Orthopedic Society, as well as several other regional and local orthopaedic organizations.
Bill, or "Willie" , as he was more affectionately called by his very close friends, was a quiet, modest, and, at times, almost painfully taciturn individual, but behind this facade there was an affectionate heart that asked for nothing and gave everything. The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.
Other Memories
The call of the sea was strong, and the war clouds were gathering, with the result that in September 1941, Dr. MacCracken enlisted in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He was retired from the Naval Service with the rank of Commander and subsequently became associated in the practice of orthopaedics with Dr. Francis Scott of Huntington, West Virginia, on February 1, 1946. Dr. MacCracken was in active practice until the time of his death. He was a Member and Past-President of the Russell A. Hibbs Society, a Member of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Tri-State Orthopedic Society, as well as several other regional and local orthopaedic organizations.
Bill, or "Willie" , as he was more affectionately called by his very close friends, was a quiet, modest, and, at times, almost painfully taciturn individual, but behind this facade there was an affectionate heart that asked for nothing and gave everything. The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.
Description On 11 May she rendezvoused with her sister ship USS Narwhal off the northern side of Attu, and the two ships, debarked 109 Army Scouts in rubber boats at Scarlet Beach for the preliminary landings in On 11 May she rendezvoused with her sister ship USS Narwhal off the northern side of Attu, and the two ships, debarked 109 Army Scouts in rubber boats at Scarlet Beach for the preliminary landings in the recapture of the island, a venture successfull... More
Memories USS Nautilus (SS-168)
Nautilus then began an active career as a transport submarine, a role for whichUSS Nautilus (SS-168)
Nautilus then began an active career as a transport submarine, a role for which her large size made her especially useful. She landed Marines to raid Makin Island, in the Gilbert Islands in August 1942; put scouts ashore at Attu, in the Aleutians, in May 1943; again landed Marines in the Gilberts in November 1943 and carried out several missions into the Philippines area in May 1944 - January 1945. During this time Nautilus also conducted anti-shipping and reconnaissance patrols off Japan, in the Central Pacific and in the Solomons area, sinking and damaging several Japanese ships. Ordered home after her 14th war patrol, she arrived at Philadephia, Pennsylvania, in May 1945 and was decommissioned the following month. Nautilus was sold for scrapping in November 1945.... More
Best Moment
The call of the sea was strong, and the war clouds were gathering, with the result that in September 1941, Dr. MacCracken enlisted in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He was retired from the Naval Service with the rank of Commander and subsequently became associated in the practice of orthopaedics with Dr. Francis Scott of Huntington, West Virginia, on February 1, 1946. Dr. MacCracken was in active practice until the time of his death. He was a Member and Past-President of the Russell A. Hibbs Society, a Member of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Tri-State Orthopedic Society, as well as several other regional and local orthopaedic organizations.
Bill, or "Willie" , as he was more affectionately called by his very close friends, was a quiet, modest, and, at times, almost painfully taciturn individual, but behind this facade there was an affectionate heart that asked for nothing and gave everything. The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.
Chain of Command
USS Nautilus (SS-168), 1930-1945. Originally named V-6 (SC-2)
Other Memories
USS Nautilus (SS-168), 1930-1945. Originally named V-6 (SC-2)
USS Nautilus, a 2730-ton Narwhal class cruiser submarine, was built at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California. Commissioned in July 1930 as USS V-6 (SC-2), she was renamed Nautilus in February 1931 and redesignated SS-168 in July 1931. Prior to World War II, she was mainly operated in the Pacific, based at Pearl Harbor and at San Diego. Modernized between July 1941 and April 1942, her first war patrol included intense involvement in the Battle of Midway, during which she attacked a Japanese aircraft carrier that was at that time identified as Soryu but was more probably Kaga. Later during that patrol, while off Japan, she sank the destroyer Yamakaze.
Nautilus then began an active career as a transport submarine, a role for which her large size made her especially useful. She landed Marines to raid Makin Island, in the Gilbert Islands in August 1942; put scouts ashore at Attu, in the Aleutians, in May 1943; again landed Marines in the Gilberts in November 1943 and carried out several missions into the Philippines area in May 1944 - January 1945. During this time Nautilus also conducted anti-shipping and reconnaissance patrols off Japan, in the Central Pacific and in the Solomons area, sinking and damaging several Japanese ships. Ordered home after her 14th war patrol, she arrived at Philadephia, Pennsylvania, in May 1945 and was decommissioned the following month. Nautilus was sold for scrapping in November 1945.
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Car... The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with... The Navy and Marine Corps Medal may be awarded to service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy. For acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving, it is required that the action be performed at the risk of one's own life. MoreHide
Comments The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Car... The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area. MoreHide
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Description
Nautilus earned the Presidential Unit Citation and 14 battle stars for her service during World War II.
Criteria The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to mer... The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal is awarded to Marine Corps personnel who land on foreign territory, engage in operations against armed opposition, or who operate under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition and for which no campaign medal has been awarded. MoreHide
Description Member of Carlson's raiders that come ashore at Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 4, 1942.
On November 5, Vandegrift ordered Carlson to take his raiders, march overland from Aola, and attack any of S... Member of Carlson's raiders that come ashore at Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 4, 1942.
On November 5, Vandegrift ordered Carlson to take his raiders, march overland from Aola, and attack any of Shoji's forces that had escaped from Koli Point. With the rest of the companies from his battalion, which arrived a few days later, Carlson and his troops set off on a 29-day patrol from Aola to the Lunga perimeter. During the patrol, the raiders fought several battles with Shoji's retreating forces, killing almost 500 of them, while suffering 16 killed themselves. In addition to the losses sustained from attacks by Carlson's raiders, tropical diseases and a lack of food felled many more of Shoji's men. By the time Shoji's forces reached the Lunga River in mid-November, about halfway to the Matanikau, only 1,300 men remained with the main body. When Shoji reached the 17th Army positions west of the Matanikau, only 700 to 800 survivors were still with him. Most of the survivors from Shoji's force joined other Japanese units defending the Mount Austen and upper Matanikau River area. 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 Navy Cross, August 1942. He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay on Nov... Navy Cross, August 1942. He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area. 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 Navy Cross, August 1942. He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay on Nov... Navy Cross, August 1942. He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area. 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 Navy Cross, August 1942. He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay on Nov... Navy Cross, August 1942. He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area. 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 USS Nautilus (SS-168), 1930-1945. Originally named V-6 (SC-2)
USS Nautilus, a 2730-ton Narwhal class cUSS Nautilus (SS-168), 1930-1945. Originally named V-6 (SC-2)
USS Nautilus, a 2730-ton Narwhal class cruiser submarine, was built at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California. Commissioned in July 1930 as USS V-6 (SC-2), she was renamed Nautilus in February 1931 and redesignated SS-168 in July 1931. Prior to World War II, she was mainly operated in the Pacific, based at Pearl Harbor and at San Diego. Modernized between July 1941 and April 1942, her first war patrol included intense involvement in the Battle of Midway, during which she attacked a Japanese aircraft carrier that was at that time identified as Soryu but was more probably Kaga. Later during that patrol, while off Japan, she sank the destroyer Yamakaze.... More
Description The Battle of Midway in the Pacific Theater of Operations was one of the most important naval battles of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, The Battle of Midway in the Pacific Theater of Operations was one of the most important naval battles of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, only six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea, the United States Navy (USN), under Admirals Chester W. Nimitz, Frank Jack Fletcher, and Raymond A. Spruance decisively defeated an attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), under Admirals Isoroku Yamamoto, Chuichi Nagumo, and Nobutake Kondo on Midway Atoll, inflicting irreparable damage on the Japanese fleet. Military historian John Keegan called it "the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare." It was Japan's first naval defeat since the Battle of Shimonoseki Straits in 1863.
The Japanese operation, like the earlier attack on Pearl Harbor, sought to eliminate the United States as a strategic power in the Pacific, thereby giving Japan a free hand in establishing its Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. The Japanese hoped that another demoralizing defeat would force the U.S. to capitulate in the Pacific War and thus ensure Japanese dominance in the Pacific.
The Japanese plan was to lure the United States' aircraft carriers into a trap. The Japanese also intended to occupy Midway as part of an overall plan to extend their defensive perimeter in response to the Doolittle air raid on Tokyo. This operation was also considered preparatory for further attacks against Fiji, Samoa, and Hawaii itself.
The plan was handicapped by faulty Japanese assumptions of the American reaction and poor initial dispositions.Most significantly, American codebreakers were able to determine the date and location of the attack, enabling the forewarned U.S. Navy to set up an ambush of its own. Four Japanese aircraft carriers—Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu, all part of the six-carrier force that had attacked Pearl Harbor six months earlier—and a heavy cruiser were sunk at a cost of one American aircraft carrier and a destroyer. After Midway and the exhausting attrition of the Solomon Islands campaign, Japan's shipbuilding and pilot training programs were unable to keep pace in replacing their losses, while the U.S. steadily increased its output in both areas.... More
Memories USS Nautilus (SS-168), 1930-1945. Originally named V-6 (SC-2)
USS Nautilus, a 2730-ton Narwhal class cUSS Nautilus (SS-168), 1930-1945. Originally named V-6 (SC-2)
USS Nautilus, a 2730-ton Narwhal class cruiser submarine, was built at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California. Commissioned in July 1930 as USS V-6 (SC-2), she was renamed Nautilus in February 1931 and redesignated SS-168 in July 1931. Prior to World War II, she was mainly operated in the Pacific, based at Pearl Harbor and at San Diego. Modernized between July 1941 and April 1942, her first war patrol included intense involvement in the Battle of Midway, during which she attacked a Japanese aircraft carrier that was at that time identified as Soryu but was more probably Kaga. Later during that patrol, while off Japan, she sank the destroyer Yamakaze.... More
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 The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.... More
Description The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943 on and aThe Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II. It was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan.
On 7 August 1942, Allied forces, predominantly American, landed on the islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Florida in the southern Solomon Islands with the objective of denying their use by the Japanese to threaten the supply and communication routes between the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The Allies also intended to use Guadalcanal and Tulagi as bases to support a campaign to eventually capture or neutralize the major Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain. The Allies overwhelmed the outnumbered Japanese defenders, who had occupied the islands since May 1942, and captured Tulagi and Florida, as well as an airfield (later named Henderson Field) that was under construction on Guadalcanal. Powerful US naval forces supported the landings.
Surprised by the Allied offensive, the Japanese made several attempts between August and November 1942 to retake Henderson Field. Three major land battles, seven large naval battles (five nighttime surface actions and two carrier battles), and continual, almost daily aerial battles culminated in the decisive Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in early November 1942, in which the last Japanese attempt to bombard Henderson Field from the sea and land with enough troops to retake it was defeated. In December 1942, the Japanese abandoned further efforts to retake Guadalcanal and evacuated their remaining forces by 7 February 1943 in the face of an offensive by the US Army's XIV Corps, conceding the island to the Allies.
The Guadalcanal campaign was a significant strategic combined arms victory by Allied forces over the Japanese in the Pacific theatre. The Japanese had reached the high-water mark of their conquests in the Pacific, and Guadalcanal marked the transition by the Allies from defensive operations to the strategic offensive in that theatre and the beginning of offensive operations, including the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Central Pacific campaigns, that resulted in Japan's eventual surrender and the end of World War II.... More
Memories The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.... More
Description Cape Esperance (Second Savo) October 11–12, 1942. The Battle of Cape Esperance, also known as the Second Battle of Savo Island and, in Japanese sources, as the Sea Battle of Savo Island, took place onCape Esperance (Second Savo) October 11–12, 1942. The Battle of Cape Esperance, also known as the Second Battle of Savo Island and, in Japanese sources, as the Sea Battle of Savo Island, took place on 11–12 October 1942, and was a naval battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and United States Navy. The battle was the second of four major surface engagements during the Guadalcanal campaign and took place at the entrance to the strait between Savo Island and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Cape Esperance (9°15′S 159°42′E) is the northernmost point on Guadalcanal, and the battle took its name from this point.
On the night of 11 October, Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands area—under the command of Vice Admiral Gunichi Mikawa—sent a major supply and reinforcement convoy to their forces on Guadalcanal. The convoy consisted of two seaplane tenders and six destroyers and was commanded by Rear Admiral Takatsugu Jojima. At the same time, but in a separate operation, three heavy cruisers and two destroyers—under the command of Rear Admiral Aritomo Goto-were to bombard the Allied airfield on Guadalcanal (called Henderson Field by the Allies) with the object of destroying Allied aircraft and the airfield's facilities.
Shortly before midnight on 11 October, a U.S force of four cruisers and five destroyers—under the command of Rear Admiral Norman Scott—intercepted Goto's force as it approached Savo Island near Guadalcanal. Taking the Japanese by surprise, Scott's warships sank one of Goto's cruisers and one of his destroyers, heavily damaged another cruiser, mortally wounded Goto, and forced the rest of Goto's warships to abandon the bombardment mission and retreat. During the exchange of gunfire, one of Scott's destroyers was sunk and one cruiser and another destroyer were heavily damaged. In the meantime, the Japanese supply convoy successfully completed unloading at Guadalcanal and began its return journey without being discovered by Scott's force. Later on the morning of 12 October, four Japanese destroyers from the supply convoy turned back to assist Goto's retreating, damaged warships. Air attacks by U.S. aircraft from Henderson Field sank two of these destroyers later that day.
As with the preceding naval engagements, around Guadalcanal, the strategic outcome was inconsequential because neither the Japanese nor United States navies secured operational control of the waters around Guadalcanal as a result of this action. However, the Battle of Cape Esperance provided a significant morale boost to the US Navy after the disaster of Savo Island.... More
Memories The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.... More
Other Memories
Dr. William Benjamin MacCracken 1907-1960.
The call of the sea was strong, and the war clouds were gathering, with the result that in September 1941, Dr. MacCracken enlisted in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He was retired from the Naval Service with the rank of Commander and subsequently became associated in the practice of orthopaedics with Dr. Francis Scott of Huntington, West Virginia, on February 1, 1946.
Naval Service: The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.
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
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
The call of the sea was strong, and the war clouds were gathering, with the result that in September 1941, Dr. MacCracken enlisted in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He was retired from the Naval Service with the rank of Commander and subsequently became associated in the practice of orthopaedics with Dr. Francis Scott of Huntington, West Virginia, on February 1, 1946. Dr. MacCracken was in active practice until the time of his death. He was a Member and Past-President of the Russell A. Hibbs Society, a Member of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Tri-State Orthopedic Society, as well as several other regional and local orthopaedic organizations.
Bill, or "Willie" , as he was more affectionately called by his very close friends, was a quiet, modest, and, at times, almost painfully taciturn individual, but behind this facade there was an affectionate heart that asked for nothing and gave everything. The year 1942 and the dates August 17 and 18 are not too far removed from the memory of many of us, nor the submarine known as the "Nautilus", nor the Second Raider Marine Battalion also known as "Carlson's Raiders". Bill was one of them. As if this assignment in itself were insufficient to prove his courage and his selfless devotion to his country and to his fellow-men, Bill, on those two memorable days, so distinguished himself that he was decorated with the Navy Cross by Admiral Nimitz.
He was subsequently decorated a second time by Major-General A. A. Vandergrift of the United States Marine Corps for outstanding service during the invasion of Aola Bay (Guadalcanal) on November 5, 1942. He received other unit citations as well during the various operations of the Second Raider Marine Battalion throughout the South Pacific Area.