Cassin Young facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cassin Young
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Captain Cassin Young, USN
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| Born | March 6, 1894 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | November 13, 1942 (aged 48) off Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1916 - 1942 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Commands held | USS Evans Submarine Division Seven USS Vestal USS San Francisco |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II
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Cassin Young was a brave U.S. Navy captain. He was born on March 6, 1894, and sadly passed away on November 13, 1942. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Biography
Early Life and Training
Cassin Young was born in Washington, D.C. on March 6, 1894. When he was two years old, his family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father owned a drug store there.
Cassin Young graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on June 3, 1916. After graduation, he served on the battleship USS Connecticut (BB-18) until 1919. He then went to submarine school. For several years, he served on submarines like USS R-22 (SS-99) and USS R-3 (SS-80). Later, he worked in Naval Communications and at the Naval Academy.
From 1931 to 1933, Young served on the battleship USS New York (BB-34). He then became the commander of the destroyer USS Evans (DD-78). After being promoted to Commander, he led Submarine Division Seven in Groton, Connecticut.
Hero at Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Commander Young was in charge of the repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4). His ship was docked next to the battleship USS Arizona (BB-39).
Japanese bombs hit the Vestal. When the Arizona's front ammunition storage exploded, the huge blast threw Commander Young overboard. Even though he was dazed, he swam back through burning oil to his ship. He was determined to save the Vestal. He quickly got the ship moving and steered it onto a beach. This action saved the Vestal from sinking and allowed it to be repaired later. For his incredible bravery, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Final Battle
In February 1942, Cassin Young was promoted to Captain. On November 9, 1942, he took command of the heavy cruiser USS San Francisco (CA-38).
Just a few days later, on November 13, 1942, Captain Young led his ship in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. They faced a much larger Japanese force. During a close fight with the Japanese battleship Hiei, Captain Young was hit by enemy shells and was killed.
For his brave actions during this battle, Captain Young was given the Navy Cross. His ship, the San Francisco, also received a special award called the Presidential Unit Citation for its courage.
Namesake
In 1943, a destroyer was named USS Cassin Young (DD-793) in his honor. This famous ship has been restored. You can visit it today at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston Harbor. It is located right across from the historic USS Constitution.
