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USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD-793)


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign - NTTH

CLASS - FLETCHER As Built.
Displacement 2924 Tons (Full), Dimensions, 376' 5"(oa) x 39' 7" x 13' 9" (Max)
Armament 5 x 5"/38AA, 10 x 40mm, 7 x 20mm AA, 10 x 21" tt.(2x5).
Machinery, 60,000 SHP; General Electric Geared Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 38 Knots, Range 6500 NM@ 15 Knots, Crew 273.
Operational and Building Data
Laid down by Bethlehem Steel , San Pedro. March 18 1943.
Launched September 12 1943 and commissioned December 31 1943.
Decommissioned May 28 1946, recommissioned September 8 1951.
Decommissioned April 29 1960.
Stricken December 1 1974.
Fate Preserved as memorial berthed at Boston Navy Yard, Boston, MA.
On indefinite loan from the Navy to the National Park Service (unlike other memorial ships, which were
donations, CASSIN YOUNG is still owned by the Navy).
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For Full Size Image		 Size Image Description Contributed
By
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[2] - 122k		Cassin Young was born in Washington, D.C., on 6 March 1894. After graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1916, he served in the battleship Connecticut into 1919, then spent several years in submarines. During that period, he commanded the submarines R-23 and R-2. During the middle and later 1920s, he served in Naval Communications, on the staff of Commander Submarine Divisions, Battle Fleet, and at the Naval Academy. During 1931-33, Lieutenant Commander Young served in the battleship New York. He was subsequently Commanding Officer of the destroyer Evans and was assigned to the Eleventh Naval District in 1935-37. After promotion to the rank of Commander, he commanded Submarine Division Seven and had duty at the Submarine Base New London, Groton, Connecticut. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, he was Commanding Officer of the repair ship Vestal, which was badly damaged by enemy bombs and the explosion of the battleship Arizona. For his "distinguished conduct in action" and "outstanding heroism" on that occasion, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Promoted to Captain in February 1942, he later was given command of the heavy cruiser San Francisco. On 13 November 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, he guided his ship in action with a superior Japanese force and was killed by enemy shells while closely engaging the battleship Hiei. Captain Young posthumously was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Guadalcanal Campaign, and San Francisco received the Presidential Unit Citation. [1] - Photo #: NH 92310. Commander Cassin Young, USN, Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 285. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. [2] - April 1942: Capt. Cassin Young, USN, receives his Medal of Honor from Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, U.S. Navy photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection.Bill Gonyo/Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION to the

UNITED STATES SHIP CASSIN YOUNG

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

"For outstanding performance in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa Jima from 25 March, 1945 to 8 August 1945. The U.S.S. CASSIN YOUNG, under the most hazardous and difficult conditions, and in spite of damage to the ship and casualties to personnel, continued to seek her targets and destroy hostile shore batteries and aircraft with her deadly gunfire. She furnished powerful fire support for our landing operations and covered our ships during retirement; she furnishes, as a radar picket ship, timely early warning of impending enemy air attacks; she furnished protection to a damaged friendly ship and recovered many survivors while defeating enemy air attacks; she furnished excellent protection to friendly ships at anchor; when damaged herself on two occasions, she cared for her own wounded and prevent the spread of damage so efficiently that she was able to proceed to a friendly port under her own power. Attacking boldly by day and dangerously by night, the CASSIN YOUNG gallantly fulfilled her missions despite fierce Japanese resistance and by her readiness for combat, implemented the skill and fighting spirit of her officers and men throughout a critical period.”

James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy
Young 82kArtist's conception of the Young by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company Navy Yard Associates offers prints of most destroyers, destroyer escorts, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. If you decide to purchase artwork from them please indicate that you heard about their work from NavSource.Navy Yard Associates
Young 49kUndated, location unknown. Photo by Giogio Arra from "Jane's Fighting Ships" 1961-62 edition.Robert Hurst
Young 182kStarboard view of the USS Cassin Young (DD-793) at an undated/unknown location. The Cassin Young was decommissioned shortly after WW2, and then served for nearly nine years after being recommissioned for Korean War service. The ship was not rebuilt after WW2 and remained close to her as-commissioned 5-gun configuration. The only major alterations has been removing the search lights and their platform and her armament two quad 40mm, one twin 40mm, and one bank of 5-21” torpedo tubes. Dr. Giorgio Arra; 1967-68 Jane’s Fighting Ships.Mike Green
Young 90kUndated, location unknown.Richard Miller BMCS USNR RET./Robert Hurst
Young 245kUndated, location unknown.Richard Miller BMCS USNR RET.
Young 111kKeel laying for USS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Bethlehem Steel, San Pedro, Calif., 18 March 1943. (U.S. Navy photograph 19-N-117676, from the collections of the National Archives)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 131kMrs. E.M. Young christens USS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Bethlehem Steel, San Pedro, Calif., 12 September 1943. (U.S. Navy photograph 80-G-202298, from the collections of the National Archives)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 89kLaunch of USS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Bethlehem Steel, San Pedro, Calif., 12 September 1943. (U.S. Navy photograph 80-G-267708, from the collections of the National Archives)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 108kCommissioning ceremony for USS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Bethlehem Steel, San Pedro, Calif., on 31 December 1943. USS Preston (DD-795) is at left and USS Comfort (AH-6), not yet painted as a hospital ship, is at right. (U.S. Navy photograph 19-N-117682, from the collections of the National Archives)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 226kUSS Cassin Young seen in 1944 from USS Essex. Photo By Paul Madden CPhoM.John Chiquoine
Young 17kJanuary 13 1944, San Pedro Outer Harbor. The ship is painted in camouflage Measure 32, Design 7d.Robert Hurst
Young 44kLarger version of above photo.-
Young 68kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793), broadside view (dead), Outer Harbor, San Pedro, Calif., 13 January 1944. (U.S. Navy photograph 19-N-58986, from the collections of the National Archives)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 154kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793), aerial view, Outer Harbor, San Pedro, Calif., 13 January 1944. (U.S. Navy photograph 19-N-58992, from the collections of the National Archives)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 65kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) fire control officer Robert Norville, taken at Pearl Harbor, 1944. As XO of USS Aldebaran, Norville took photographs of Cassin Young during UNREP in the Mediterranean in July or August 1959. (Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 14k1944 San Pedro Outer Harbor.Joe Radigan, MACM, USN, Ret.
Young 266kUSS Cassin Young alongside USS Taluga in an unrep activity 20 Feb 1945. Taluga's Service Force was refueling ships of a carrier task group off Iwo Jima. From the Ltjg Lloyd Lavack collection of USS Taluga.Tommy Trampp
Young 102kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) after being clipped by a Kamikaze, on 12 April 1945, while positioned at RP 1. This took down her radars and much of her communications. It then exploded directly above the forward funnel, the blast going right down the stack and disabling her forward boilers, and sending shrapnel rattling around her exposed bridge spaces. Photo National Archives and Records Administration.Robert Hurst
Young 164kPhotograph showing damage from kamikaze strike of 30 July 1945. (Photograph by Eugene Svensma, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
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[2] - 89k		Front and back sides of card distributed in conjunction with the 12 October 1996 dedication of a plaque commemorating sailors killed during kamikaze attacks on USS Cassin Young (DD-793).Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 124kRecommissioning ceremony for USS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Long Beach Naval Ship Yard, 8 September 1951. (U.S. Navy photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 159kThe USS Cassin Young (DD-793) after recommissioning 8 September 1951 for the Korean War. The Cassin Young is still configured in her WWII configuration pretty much as she was configured when originally commissioned. The only major alteration has been removing the search lights and their platform that held them on the first stack. By May 1953 the Cassin Young was upgraded to the so called "5-gun" Standard Configuration of two quad 40mm, one twin 40mm, and one bank of Torpedo Tubes. Photo by Morper Ship Pictures, San Diego, California.David Buell
Young 83kThe USS Cassin Young (DD-793) after being assigned to Newport RI in January 1952. The Cassin Young is seen tied up to AD-19 Yosemite and is still configured much as she appeared at the end of WWII. This picture was taken sometime between Jan 1952 and early 1953.Vince Banks
Young 197kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) is seen at the Boston Naval Shipyard on 9 June 1955. The photograph was taken in conjunction with the commissioning of USS Vital (MSO-474). (U.S. Navy photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection, NPS Cat. No. BOSTS-14561)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 138kAmong the Sixth Fleet ships visiting Barcelona, Spain in April 1956 were, from left ot right: USS Cassin Young (DD-793), USS Albany (CA-123), USS Newport News (CA-148), USS Mercury (AKS-20), and USS Mauna Loa (AE-8). The Newport News had just taken over as Flagship for Vice Admiral Harry D. Felt as Commander Sixth Fleet when this photo was taken.George Klos
Young 119kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793), 14 January 1958. (U.S. Navy photograph #1043890, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard/Robert Hurst
Young 169kTwo views of the antennas of USS Cassin Young (DD-793), 1 October 1958, following completion of overhaul at South Boston Annex of Boston Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photos ASF-271-10-58, ASF-273-10-58, Boston National Historical Park Collection, NPS Cat. No. BOSTC-1589)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 103kAs above.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 107kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) off Block Island, R.I., 4 October 1958. (U.S. Navy photograph #1039404, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 187kIn Italian waters December 23 1958.Carlo Martinelli
Young 164kUSS Sierra (AD-18), probably in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, with an unknown ship and the destroyer USS Cassin Young (DD-793) alongside, circa October 1959. U.S. Navy photo from the USS Sierra (AD-18) 1959 cruise book.Robert Hurst
Young 72kPre 1960, location unknown.Vernon C. Cook (USN (Ret)
Young 96kA series of three views of the USS Cassin Young coming along side the USS Aldeberan (AF10) during a Med Cruise between 24 July 1959 and 6 August 1959 . Robert's father was Executive Officer on the Aldeberan at the time and had been the Fire Control Officer on the Cassin Young from 1943-45.Robert Norville
Young 114kAs above.Robert Norville
Young 147kAs above.Robert Norville
Young 296kNewspaper clipping ca. Feb. 1960 showing USS Cassin Young (DD-793) and other destroyers in dry dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in preparation for decommissioning. (Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 206kPhiladelphia Reserve basin in the early 1970's.Ed Zajkowski
Young 196kPhiladelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility 30 July 1974, (L-R) USS Allen M. Sumner (DD-692), USS Caperton (DD-650), Gatling (DD-671), USS Miller (DD-535), USS Hazelwood (DD-531) and USS Cassin Young (DD-793).Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 116kThe decommissioned USS Cassin Young (DD-793) arriving at the Boston Navy Yard in 1978 to become a museum ship, in 1978. The ship opened in 1981. Image from U.S. Navy All Hands magazine, January 1981, p22.Robert Hurst
Young 104kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, June 1978, being readied for tow to Boston. (Boston National Historical Park Collection, NPS Cat. No. BOSTC-1662)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 123kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, June 1978, being readied for tow to Boston. Note the hammerhead crane in the background. (Boston National Historical Park Collection, NPS Cat. No. BOSTC-1662-8)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 121kLT-1970 tows USS Cassin Young (DD-793) through the Cape Cod Canal on her transfer from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard to the Charlestown Navy Yard in June 1978. (National Park Service photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 65kU.S. Army tug LT-1970 tows USS Cassin Young (DD-793) from Philadelphia to Boston in June 1978 following the destroyer’s loan to the National Park Service as a memorial ship. The move of the vessel was undertaken as an Army Reserve training exercise. (Boston National Historical Park Collection, NPS Cat. No. BOSTC-1662)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 191kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) arriving at the Boston Navy Yard in 1978 to become a museum ship, in 1978. The ship opened in 1981. U.S. Navy All Hands magazine January 1981.Robert Hurst
Young 103kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) is maneuvered into Dry Dock 1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard for rehabilitation in October 1979.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 157kAt Charlestown Navy Yard May 9 1980.Ron Reeves
Young 137kThree views of USS Cassin Young (DD-793) in Dry Dock 1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard in July 1980. (National Park Service photographs, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 130kAs above.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 89kAs above.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 187kBoston Towing tug Mars tows USS Cassin Young (DD-793) from Dry Dock 1 at the Charlestown Navy Yard in May 1981. (National Park Service photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 211kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) is dedicated as a memorial ship in a ceremony at Pier 1 East of the Charlestown Navy Yard on 27 June 1981. (National Park Service photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 199kUSS Casin Young (DD-793) and USCGC Nantucket (WLV-612) at Boston Naval Shipyard, September 1985.© Richard Leonhardt
Young 90kDN-ST-87-07709. A port bow view of the Fletcher class destroyer USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793) moored at the Charlestown Memorial Naval Shipyard. The Cassin Young is a memorial ship maintained by the US Park Service and honors Captain (CAPT) Cassin Young, who earned the Medal of Honor during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was later killed during a surface action with Japanese forces at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Photo by Don Montgomery, May 30 1987.Bill Gonyo
Young 81kBoston Naval Shipyard, April 17 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 107kBoston Naval Shipyard, April 17 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 98kBoston Naval Shipyard, April 17 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 103kBoston Naval Shipyard, May 2 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 86kBoston Naval Shipyard, May 2 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 93kBoston Naval Shipyard, May 2 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 112kBoston Naval Shipyard, May 2 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 108kBoston Naval Shipyard, May 2 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 84kBoston Naval Shipyard, May 2 1998© Richard Leonhardt
Young 54kPort side view taken at Boston Navy Yard December 13 2001.Ronald Barker, Capt USAF (Ret)
Young 70kPort side view taken at Boston Navy Yard December 13 2001.Ronald Barker, Capt USAF (Ret)
Young 52kUSS Cassin Young with Mr. Sumner Wheeler, President of the Cassin Young Association, giving a tour standing in front of Mount 51, December 13 2001 Boston Navy Yard.Ronald Barker, Capt USAF (Ret)
Young 124kUSS Cassin Young as a museum on July 14 2007.Ron Titus
Young 41kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) tied-up dockside as museum ship at the Boston Navy Yard, Boston, MA. Photo from Warship Boneyards, by Kit and Carolyn Bonner.Robert Hurst
Young 97kFrom 1986 to 2004, the National Park Service conducted "Commemorative Sea Trials" every October to honor the ship’s veterans and the volunteers who contribute thousands of hours to maintaining the ship. These were discontinued due to concerns over the condition of the hull, but should be resumed following the completion of a major drydocking/rehabilitation project to take place in 2009. USS Cassin Young (DD-793) is seen here in Boston Harbor during the third annual Commemorative Sea Trials in October 1988. (Laurence M. Blanke, Jr., photograph, Boston National Historical Park Collection)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 171kThe Cassin Young as she appeared in September 2008.Dave Johnston
Young 45kA series of 15 images of the USS Cassin Young (DD-793) as she appeared September 25 2008. Starboard side looking forward (note: 5" practice loading machine in foreground).Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 40kAs above. Starboard side looking aft.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 26kAs above. Surface search radar antenna (note: Presidential Unit Citation pennant).Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 41kAs above. MK 32, Mod 2 side-launched, active homing torpedo ASW weapon.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 36kAs above.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 45kAs above. Reload cradle.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 39kAs above. Quad 40mm AA gun mount, port side looking aft.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 47kAs above. MK 32 "over the side" torpedo launcher.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 50kAs above. Starboard side, looking aft (Note: trainable, anti-ship, 21" torpedo launcher on 01 level).Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 35kAs above. Quad 40 mm AA gun mount.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 51kAs above. Pilot house (note: ship's wheel is missing).Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 35kAs above. Signal bridge.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 59kAs above.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 48kAs above. Depth charge rack.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 36kAs above.Larry Backus and Kathryn Lee Huculak
Young 53kBoston Fire Department and other emergency vehicles respond to a one-alarm fire in the boiler room USS Cassin Young on December 30, 2008. According to the Associated Press, Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said the fire was quickly put out and no one was injured. MacDonald said a boiler used to heat the ship malfunctioned and caused the fire. MacDonald said there were no visitors on board when the fire was reported at about 10 p.m. (Note: The boilers in question are located in the crews' head on the main deck and were installed in 1980 to provide heat for the vessel; they are scheduled to be replaced when the ship is drydocked in 2009.)Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 89kThree views of the USS Cassin Young entering Dry Dock 1 for repairs on August 9 2010. Photos by Stephen P. Carlson, Boston National Historical Park.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 90kAs above.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 90kAs above.Stephen P. Carlson, Boston NHP, Charlestown Navy Yard
Young 196kJune 2011 the USS Cassin Young (DD-793) sitting in dry-dock. Photo by Mr. Rizer.Bill Gonyo
Young   Young   Young   Young
Boston Sunday Globe Magazine - August 28 2011		Don Gillis
Young 205kUSS Cassin Young (DD-793) in Dry Dock Number 1 at the Boston Navy Yard, December 20 2012. Photo taken by Richard Moore.Robert Hurst
Young 46kShips patch.Jim
Young 144kShips patch.Gerard Philipp
USS CASSIN YOUNG DD-793 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The hazegray Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)

Commanding Officers
Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves

CDR Earl Tobias Schreiber    Dec 31 1943 - Oct 31 1944 (Later RADM)
CDR John Williams Ailes III    Oct 31 1944 - Aug 29 1945 (Later RADM)
LCDR Carl Ferdinand Pfeifer    Aug 29 1945 - May 28 1946
(Decommissioned May 28 1946 - Sep 8 1951)
CDR James Boyce Denton    Sep 8 1951 - Nov 21 1952
CDR Thomas Joseph Rudden Jr.    Nov 21 1952 - Jul 10 1954 (Later RADM)
CDR Kenneth Barth Brown    Jul 10 1954 - Aug 17 1956
CDR Clifton Bledsoe Cates Jr.    Aug 17 1956 - Sep 14 1958
CDR John Homer Hooper    Sep 14 1958 - Apr 29 1960
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
Contact Name: David O'Connell Jr
Address:
Phone:
E-mail: None

Note About Contacts.

The contact listed, Was the contact at the time for this ship when located. If another person now is the contact, E-mail me and I will update this entry. These contacts are compiled from various sources over a long period of time and may or may not be correct. Every effort has been made to list the newest contact if more than one contact was found.
Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
USS Cassin Young Website
National Parks Service Video tours of USS CASSIN YOUNG
Tin Can Sailors Website
Destroyer History Foundation
Destroyers Online Website
Official U.S.Navy Destroyer Website

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