This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Michael D. Withers (Mike), OSCS
to remember
Matthews, Jr., H. Spencer (WW II/KOREA/VIETNAM), RADM.
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Clarksville
Last Address Falls Church, Va.
Date of Passing Sep 24, 2002
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Begining his Naval career as an enlisted sailor, he was the first Naval Aviation Pilot (NAP) to be promoted to flag rank in the Navy.
During his 33 years service the Admiral, while enlisted, was a plane captain on the O3U-1, F4B-4, F2F and F3F, F2A, BTD, BT2D. TBD. NJ-1 and SBC-3&4. As a naval aviator, he flew the N2S, SNV, SNJ, P2Y, PBY-1, PB4Y and 2, Spitfire (England), F8F-1, BT2D-1, YP-59A (1st navy jet), AD, F2H (Banshee), F9F-8, FJ-4B. F4H-1 Phantom, A4D, and his last carrier landing was in the F4H-1 Phantom at night aboard USS Midway in WESPAC, in 1963.
1962-1963, 131X, USS Midway (CV-41)
Attention! The dates you selected for being assigned to this Unit are outside the 1975 to 1992 we believe this Unit was in existence. Can you please re-check your dates and click HERE if you wish to amend these? If you believe your Unit was in existence during your selected dates, please let us know at admin@togetherweserved.com.
Displacement 45,000 Tons, Dimensions, 968' (oa) x 113' x 35' (Max) Armament 18 x 5"/54AA 84 x 40mm, 68 x 20mm, 137 Aircraft. Armor, 7.6" Belt, 3 1/2" Flight Deck, 2" Deck, 6 1/2" Conning Tower. Machinery, 212,000; SHP, Geared turbines, 4 screws Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 4104. Operational and Building Data
Built by Newport News. Designation changed from CV 41 to CVB 41 15 July 1943.
Laid down 27 Oct 1943, launched 20 Mar 1945, commissioned 10 Sept 1945.
Named for the Battle of Midway, USS MIDWAY was the lead ship of her class, three of which were completed, with another two ships cancelled. Serving her country for 47 years, more than 200,000 American veterans served aboard her. During that time, the USS MIDWAY saw service off Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf and in a number of other conflicts and crises. After being the first aircraft carrier forward deployed for 17 years in Yokosuka, Japan, she returned to North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego for decommissioning in April of 1992. In over five decades of service, she received the Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; U.S. Navy & Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal; China Service Expeditionary Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal.
Commissioned as CVB 41, the MIDWAY was redesignated as attack aircraft carrier CVA 41 on October 1, 1952, and multi-purpose aircraft carrier CV 41 on June 30, 1975.
Today, the MIDWAY is serving as a floating museum in the city of San Diego. There are two Photo Tours of the USS MIDWAY Museum available. Click here for a Photo Tour with photos from 2007 or click here for photos from 2008 and 2010.
