Bellatrix (AF 62) - Naval Cruise Book

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A Cruiser receives a netload Hope that shackle holds. From the smallest tot the largest, BELLA TRIX serves the Fleet.

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We take them all--big or small. Replenishment at sea. ' All hands man your flight quarters.

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COMMANDING OFFICER USS BELLATRIX AF-62 W. H. SHAWCROSS CAPTAIN, U.S. NAVY Born 11 FEBRUARY 1923 in Port Washington, New York, Captain SHAWCROSS joined the naval service in JUNE 1942, via the Naval Aviation Program. He was commissioned 1 JUNE 1943 at the Naval Air Station. Pensacola, Florida, and was designated a Naval Aviator 9 JUNE 1943. While asigned to VT -14 aboard the U.S.S. WASP, Captain SHAWCROSS served with Task Force 38 and 58 during 1944 in the Central Pacfic. During this period of time he was awarded the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Flying Cross (one cluster) and the Air Medal (four clusters). His command was also awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. Following the war, he was assigned to VT-17 until August 1946 and was then ordered to Instructor Duty at the NROTC unit, Princeton University. From September 1947 to 19 June 1954 he served in various aviation billets. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University. Captain SHAWCROSS attented the Naval War College, Command and Staff Course in 1954-1955 and In- dustrial College of the Armed Forces during 1962-1963. He has served as the Commanding Officer FITRON 74 and as Navigator of the USS FOR EST AL (CVA-59). Captain SHAWCROSS reports to BELLATRIX from duty in the office of Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. He is married to the former Mary Nicholson of Port Washington, New York. They have three children, Gail, 18; Nancy, 14; and William jr 2 1 2.