Helena (CA 75) - Naval Cruise Book

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COM 7th FLEET X i . Vice Admiral Wallace Morris BEAKLEY was born in Vineland, New Jersey, on January 20, 1903, attending local schools before receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Winning letters in two sports, he was commissioned an Ensign in the Class of 1924. After two sea duty stations, he was ordered to the Naval Air Station for flight training, becoming a Naval aviator on November 24, 1926. Service with a number of squadrons followed shortly thereafter. Later, he attended the Postgraduate School at Annapolis, Maryland, and the California Institute of Technology, where he received a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. During World War II, VADM BEAKLEY served in many important po- sitions, beginning as Commander of the Air Group of the carrier USS WASP, for which he was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. An assignment followed on the staff of Commander Air Force, Pacific, for which he received the Legi on of Merit for his excel- lence in tactics, aiding immeasurably in the victories on Marcus and Tarawa Islands. He later assumed command of the USS BLOCK ISLAND, whch steamed into Formosa to liberate 1 200 Allied personnel from prison camps. After varied duties including command of the USS MIDWAY and Commander of the Anti-Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet, as well as assignment to the Navy Department in Washington, VADM Beakley assumed command of the US Seventh Fleet on January 28, 1957. He is married to the former Ruth Millette. They reside in Washington, D. C.

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it EXECUTIl E OFFICER CDR. Hugh A. HANNA was born at Rock Island, Illinois, on Sep- tember 10, 1916, attending city sctiools and the Devitt Preparatory School in Washington, D. C. Upon receiving an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, he completed his education there and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Class of 1940. Serving aboard the USS PHOENIX during the Second World War, CDR. HANNA participated in many engagements, including Guadal- canal, New Guinea, Leyte and the initial attack on Pearl Harbor. Duty followed on the staff of the Commander, Operational Development Force. In 1951, he assumed command of the USS MADDOX (DD-731 ), which post he held until December, 1953, when he began a tour of duty with the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D. C. Soon afterwards, CDR. HANNA was transferred to his present position as Executive Officer of the HELENA. CDR. HANNA holds the Legion of Merit, a second Bronze Star Award, and a Commendation Ribbon. He is married to the former Henriette Von Wickeren of Sydney, Australia. They have three children. John is 1 1, Paul, 6, and Mary Catherine, 3.

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CHIEF OF STAFF Captain James White DAVIS, USN, was born on October 12, 1906, near Cape Hatteras, N. C, attending schools in Beaufort, N. C, and Washington, D. C. Beginning his Naval career at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, he was graduated in the class of 1 930. After serving aboard the battleships WYOMING and PENNSYLVANIA, he reported to New London, Connecticut, for submarine training, com- pleting the course in December, 1932. Submarine duty followed, with Captain Davis assuming command of the RATON in 1943 for four war patrols in the Pacific. During this period, the RATON was awarded the Naval Unit Citation. Later, he was on the staff of Submarine Train- ing Command, Pacific. His next command was Submarine Division 242, which he completed in December, 1 945. As Commanding Officer of the USS POLANA, USS SPERRY, USS BRYCE CANYON, and USS SAINT PAUL, Captain Davis was recognized as an outstanding leader. On March 6, 1957, he assumed duties as Chief of Staff to Commander Seventh Fleet. Latest honor to be received is his selection for promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral. Captain Davis is married to the former Ruth Steele. They have two daughters, Jean, 20, and Nina, 16. The family at present resides in Oceanside, California.