Midway (CVA 41) - Naval Cruise Book

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Capt. M. U. Beebe Chief of Staff ComCarDiv Three Captain Marshall Ulrich Beebe initiated his military career with the California National Guard during his undergraduate years at Occidental College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1935. For heroism in action off Southern Japan, March 1945, where he shot down five planes, destroyed two on the ground, and damaged two others. Captain Beebe gained the Navy Cross. After exceptionally meritorious conduct in combat operations during the Korean Conflict, Captain Beebe served in various assignments, including Commanding Officer of the USS PYRO ( AE-24 ) and the USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31 i, before assuming his present duty in January 1962, as Chief of Staff to Commander Carrier Division Three. James Michener dedicated his best-seller, Bridges at Toko-Ri, to Captain Beebe. 140

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Commander Carrier Division Three Rear Admiral P. ?. Blackburn Born January 13, 1909 in Seattle, Admiral Klackhurn ladualcd from the Naval Academy in 1930, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1932. The Admiral served in various carrier, observation and patrol squadrons prior to World War II. In the early days of the war. Admiral Blackburn w-as Staff Aviation Officer for the Commander of the first U.S. task force deployed to the Kuropean Theater. The same year, he participated in covering operations for convoys making the dangerous Murmansk run. ' Later in the war, while serving aboard the USS Randolph as Navigator and as Air Officer, .Admiral Blackburn was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for meritorious service in action against the Japanese forces in 19411. In the post-war years, the .Admiral has attended the Air War College and the National War College, and has served as the CO of both the USS Duxburv Ba and the USS Intrepid (CVA-11 . Admiral Blackburn assumed command of CGMCARUIX ' THREE September 22, 1961. 139

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Capt. R. M. Isaman Commanding Officer USS Midway April 1962 Captain Isaman was born May 30, 1917 in Lewiston, Idaho. After graduating from high school in 1934, he attended the University of Idaho where he majored in science. The Captain began his Navy career in June 1940. Upon being commissioned in April 1941, he was assigned to Bombing Squadron Three, with whom he served when this Squadron was aboard the USS Yorktown during the Battle of Midway, after which his present command is named. It was during this famous World War II battle that Captain Isaman was awarded the Navy Cross for cour- ageous and successful action against Japanese ships. During the post-war years, the Captain has attended the General Line School and the Industrial College ; has served as Operations Officer on the Staff of COMCARDIV SIX, and as the CO of the USS Shasta tAE-6) immedia- tely prior to taking command of the Midway on April 21, ' U)(i2.