Harlan Dickson (DD 708) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 6 text:

THE CAPTAIIV Commander Edwin Carlton Finney, U. S. Navy COMMANDER E. C. FiNNEY was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1913. Being the son of a naval officer, he received his early education in several schools throughout the country. His naval career began when he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June, 1937. His first duty station was the U.S.S. Milwaukee (CL5), in which he served in many capacities up to and including Gunnery Officer, between the years 1937-1944. In February, 1944, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Wilkes-Barre iCL 103), helping to commission her, and serving as her Gunnery Officer for a year, and as Navigator for another year. Since the War, Commander Finney has had several assignments: Ordnance Officer, Naval Ammunition Depot, Hawthorne, Nevada; Executive Officer, U.S.S. Mount Mc- Kinley; and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, U. S. Naval Unit, U. S. Air Force Long Range Guided Missile Proving Ground, Cocoa, Florida. He relieved Commander Allen as commanding officer of the Dickson in Naples, Italy, on May 17, 1951. During World War II, Commander Finney participated in South Atlantic Patrol and Convoy duty. South Pacific convoy duty, and many Western Pacific operations with the Third and Fifth Fleets. At the termination of hostilities he participated in the occupation of Japan, Korea, and North China. Commander Finney has been awarded the following decorations: Navy Commenda- tion Ribbon ; China Service Medal ; American Defense ; European and African Theater ; American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific (four combat stars) Navy Occupation Ribbon; and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

Page 5 text:

HDICKSOlVl ■■■■■- -fesiiJ ' -v-i • i li ' Ti it

Page 7 text:

DUR FORMER CAPTAIIV Commander Charles V. Allen, U. S. Navy COMMANDER Allen was born in Van Wert, Iowa, on November 20, 1910. He re- ceived his education in Iowa public schools, and later attended Burlington Junior College and the University of Washington. His naval career began in 1932 when he enlisted as a seaman in the United States Naval Reserve. He was commissioned as Ensign, USNR in December 1935. Prior to World War II, Commander AUen was ordered to active duty as a recruiting oflBcer, and in December, 1940, reported on board the U.S.S. Brooks (DD232) as First Lieutenant. Commander Allen served in destroyers and destroyer-transports throughout World War II in the Pacific Areas. He commanded the Brooks (APD 10) during the New Guinea campaign and at the landings on Saipan. Returning to the States, he became the CO. of the newly commissioned U.S.S. Pavlic (APD 70) and again returned to be engaged in the campaign for Okinawa and in the initial occupation of Japan. After the war ' s end, he became Technical Staff Officer, Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve neet. In March, 1949, Commander Allen became Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Dickson, and he continued in that capacity until May 17, 1951. Beloved by the crew, he was presented with a gift of Limoges China Dinner service as a token of their esteem. Commander Allen holds the Bronze Star with a gold star in lieu of a second for combat service; the Naval Unit Commendation, Naval Reserve Medal, American Defense, Asiatic-Pacific Theater (six stars), and other area ribbons.