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Home Town Douglas, Arizona
Last Address Edward John Huxtable, Jr. Date of birth: January 19, 1913 Date of death: October 31, 1985 Place of Birth: Douglas, Arizona
Date of Passing Oct 31, 1985
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Edward John Huxtable, Jr. Composite Squadron VC-10 Commanding Officer
It is one of those wonderful twists of fate that the man who commanded the aviation squadron of the only U.S. carrier sunk by naval gunfire during World War II became the person who flew the surrender documents into Japan.
Silver Star Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Edward John Huxtable, Jr. (NSN: 0-77138), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Squadron Commander of Composite Squadron TEN (VC-10), attached to the U.S.S. GAMBIER BAY (CVE-73), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle off Samar, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Organizing and leading the early morning attack against enemy surface units which were shelling our escort carriers, Commander Huxtable pressed home repeated attacks against heavy cruisers and, although he had been launched without bombs, flew at extremely low altitude to divert intense anti-aircraft fire from the planes he was directing. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01375 (April 5, 1945) Action Date: 25-Oct-44 Service: Navy Rank: Commander Company: Composite Squadron 10 (VC-10) Division: U.S.S. Gambier Bay (CVE-73)
Distinguished Flying Cross Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Edward John Huxtable, Jr. (NSN: 0-77138), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of a Carrier-Based Aircraft Squadron, during action against enemy Japanese forces on the Islands of Saipan and Tinian in the Marianas Group, from 15 June to 30 July 1944. Providing air support for ground troops, Commander Huxtable repeatedly led his flight against the enemy and, in the face of intense anti-aircraft opposition, attacked enemy guns that were harassing our troops, destroyed them and enabled the ground troops to advance. On another occasion, he participated in a hazardous low-level attack on enemy troops in a gully and caused heavy enemy casualties. As Air Coordinator, he directed a bombing attack on the Tinian landing beach which reduced opposition to the first invading troops and later sent an attack against coastal guns that were damaging our naval warships and landing craft. His airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 79 (October 10, 1944) Action Date: June 15 - July 30, 1944 Service: Navy Rank: Commander
