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Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Ainsworth, Walden Lee, VADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Minneapolis, MN
Last Address Wonalancet, NH
Date of Passing Aug 07, 1960
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
Wall/Plot Coordinates 4717-A-RH
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
After returning to the United States in the summer of 1945, Vice Admiral Ainsworth commanded the Fifth Naval District until retiring on December 1, 1948. He made his retirement home at Wonalancet, New Hampshire . He was buried with full military honors in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Katherine Gardner Ainsworth (1888-1973) is buried with him.
Other Comments:
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. During the period from 10 December 1942 until 18 July 1943, Rear Admiral Ainsworth has been in command of Task Forces operating as a part of the South Pacific Force. The forces under his command have conducted many offensive operations in this area; such included repeated bombardment of enemy installations, the interception and defeat of enemy forces operating in the Solomons Area, and culminated by the two successful night engagements in Kula Gulf in the month of July. These operations have all been conducted in the face of determined enemy resistance and the forces under his command have been repeatedly subjected to enemy submarine, surface, and air attack. The success of many operations in the Solomon Islands has been, to a large degree, due to the energetic and courageous leadership of Rear Admiral Ainsworth. General Orders: Commander South Pacific: Serial 2667 (August 2, 1943) Action Date: December 10, 1942 - July 18, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Rear Admiral
Navy Cross Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Task Force Commander, Task Group 36.1, in offensive action against enemy Japanese forces in the Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands, on 5 and 6 July 1943. On 5 July 1943, Admiral Ainsworth gallantly led his Task Force into the restricted and submarine infested waters where, in the face of enemy gun and torpedo fire, he directed the bombardment of shore batteries and installations which covered the landings by our troops. Twenty-four hours later, he again led his ships against a Japanese force of approximately ten vessels. The skillful and accurate fire of his Task Force sank or severely damaged all of the enemy units. His outstanding leadership, brilliant tactics, and courageous conduct throughout the engagements contributed immeasurably to the destruction of the enemy forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander South Pacific Force and Area: Serial 2471 (July 19, 1943) Action Date: July 5 & 6, 1943 Service: Navy Rank: Rear Admiral Company: Task Force Commander Division: Task Group 36.1
Legion of Merit with Combat "V" Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the assault and occupation of an enemy-held island objective in World War II. Rear Admiral Ainsworth commanded the fire support group which bombarded the objective prior to, during and subsequent to the assault by our forces. By his personal leadership, his skillful handling of his ship, and his thorough knowledge of amphibious fire support problems he caused his ships to render accurate and devastating naval gunfire support to our assault troops, and contributed in a large degree to the successful capture of the island. His outstanding conduct and services were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ainsworth is authorized to wear the Combat "V".) General Orders: Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific: Serial 1729 (September 19, 1944) Action Date: World War II Service: Navy
Legion of Merit Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Walden Lee Ainsworth (NSN: 0-7248), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyers and Commander Cruisers, United States Pacific Fleet, from October 1944 to July 1945. He displayed exceptional ability and aggressiveness in handling the organization and administration of the cruisers, destroyers, destroyer escorts and patrol frigates under his command during a period when these ships were playing a most vital part in an unprecedented offensive against a ruthless and fanatic enemy. His sound judgment and experience were of great value in providing for the servicing of these ships in Forward Areas. In addition, he handled the countless detailed problems of his command, including the supervision of training programs, with the greatest efficiency. His professional excellence, energetic initiative, and devotion to duty were strong determining factors in the successful prosecution of the war against the Japanese Empire, and were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 33918 (July 14, 1945) Action Date: October 1944 - July 1945 Service: Navy Rank: Rear Admiral
Marshall Islands Operation (1944)/Battle of Eniwetok Atoll (Operation Catchpole)
From Month/Year
February / 1944
To Month/Year
February / 1944
Description The Battle of Eniwetok was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought between 17 February 1944 and 23 February 1944, on Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Naval bombardment of Eniwetok began on 17 February, and the 22nd Marine Regiment, commanded by Col John T. Walker, landed on Engebi Island, on 18 February at 08:43 the next day. Resistance was light, and the island was declared secure by 1450, though mopping-up continued through the next day. US losses included 85 dead and missing plus 166 wounded.
Intelligence suggested that the defenses on Eniwetok Island would be heavier than planned, though there was a comparatively preparatory bombardment before the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 106th Infantry Regiment went ashore at 0916 on 19 Feb., followed by the 3/22 at 1425. However, the Japanese soldiers had strong spider-hole positions, plus the Japanese concentrated their forces to the southwest, counterattacking the American flank, which forced the Americans to attack through the night. The island was not secured until 21 February. Americans were killed or missing and 94 wounded.
The mistake was not repeated at Parry Island. The battleships USS Tennessee and USS Pennsylvania and other ships delivered more than 900 tons of explosive onto the island. The 104th Field Artillery on eniwetok and the 2nd Separate Pack Howitzer Battalions on Japtan provided additional fire support. The 1/22 and 2/22 Marines landed at 0900 on 22 Feb. At 1930, the regimental commander radioed "I present you with the island of Parry", though operations continued through the next day. US casualties included 73 dead and missing plus 261 wounded.
