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DavidKrigbaum — Tin Can Sunset (USS Cassin Young)

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Published: 2015-09-07 00:46:45 +0000 UTC; Views: 712; Favourites: 16; Downloads: 0
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Description Fletcher-class destroyer USS Cassin Young (DD-793) served from 1943-1960. During World War II she participated in the Okinawa campaign where she survived two direct hits from kamikazes. She participated in Korea and before her retirement earned the Battle "E" in 1959. As a Fletcher she is an example of one of the most numerous destroyer classes of World War II.

Her namesake was the captain of repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4) during Pearl Harbor. Vestal was alongside battleship USS Arizona (BB-39) when the attack began and the explosion of her forward magazine blew Young overboard. He swam back to his ship through the oily water and managed to get her underway as well as manning a 3" anti-aircraft gun. He beached his damaged ship before it could sink, saving her. This action earned him the Medal of Honor. Capt. Young died  Nov. 13, 1942 at the Battle of Cape Esperance while in command of heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA-38), an action which earned his vessel the Presidential Unit Award and Capt. Young the Navy Cross.

Currently USS Cassin Young is a museum ship at the Charlestown Navy Yard and operated by the National Park Service. She is beside the more famous frigate USS Constitution.

Boston, Massachusetts
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