Independence (CVA 62) - Naval Cruise Book

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Captain C. A. Hill, Jr. Captain C. A. Hill, Jr. was born on October 18, 1920. He attended Stevens Institute and the United States Naval Academy, graduating in June 1943. During World War ll, Captain Hill, served in the Pacific onboard the USS RAY CSS-2715. His two and one half years aboard the Sub- marine RAY saw him rise through the ranks to Executive Officer. All told, The USS RAY accounted for some twenty-two enemy ships, winning the Navy Unit Commendation: and Captain Hill was awarded two Bronze Stars. two Commendation Medals and the Sub- marine Combat lnsignia for five successful combat patrols. ln 1946, Captain Hill was ordered to flight training, and following designation as a Naval Aviator was assigned to VC-31. From 1953 to 1956 Captain Hill served in VA CAWJ-35. a night attack detachment aboard the USS PHILIPPINE SEA CCVA-475. Next he pursued postgraduate studies at R. P. l., where he re- ceived a Masters Degree in Management En- gineering. From March of 1960 to May 1961, Captain Hill commanded Attack Squadron 72 on board the USS lNDEPENDENCE fCVA-625. From August 1961 to July 1962, he attended the Naval War College. He then became Navi- gator on the USS SARATOGA CCVA-607 until April 1963, at which time he was named Execu- tive Officer. ln March 1964, he reported to the Service Force Atlantic Fleet for duty as Commanding Officer of the USS WRANGELL CAE-127. From June 1965 to June 1967, he served on the Staff of the Secretary of Defense and for his work here was awarded the Joint Service Service Commendation Medal. Captain Hill assumed command of USS INDEPENDENCE on July 8, 1967. Having been selected for Rear Admiral, his nomina- tion as head of the Naval Mission to Brazil has been approved by the Secretary of the Navy. Captain Hill and his wife, the former Vir- ginia Gray Farnsworth, have a daughter, Catharine Ann, and reside in Virginia Beach, Va. 26

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Captain H. S. Matthews, Jr. Captain H. S. Matthews was born on May 5, 1921. Captain Matthews is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Tulane University where he re- ceived his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in mathematics. He was designated a Naval Aviator and com- missioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in August 1943. During the remainder of World War ll he served in a bombing squadron in the European Theatre where he flew fifty combat missions for which he was awarded the Air Medal. After World War ll the Captain served a tour as a test pilot at the Naval Test Center at Patuxent River, Maryland. Other post war tours included duty on several aircraft carriers as a carrier pilot, ship's company officer and a mem- ber of the staff of Commander Carrier Division TWO. He commanded Jet Attack Squadron 113 and Carrier Air Group TWO, and served as the Executive Officer of the aircraft carrier USS HANCOCK CCVA-193. As Hancock's Executive Officer he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his role in the initial retaliation strikes on North Vietnam in February, 1965. ln May 1965. he reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff where he was awarded the JCS Commendation Medal for the work done there. Captain Matthews took the helm as the eleventh Commanding Officer of the dock land- ing ship USS HERMITAGE CLSD-341 on April 14, 1967, one week before the ship departed for an eight month cruise off Vietnam as a member of the United States Seventh Fleet. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with com- bat V and the South Vietnamese Navy Dis- tinguished Service Order Medal for meritorious service while commanding the HERMITAGE during operations against the Viet Cong in- surgents and North Vietnamese Regular forces. For this tour in the Seventh Fleet, with Captain Matthews in command, HERMITAGE was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Award. Captain Matthews assumed command of USS INDEPENDENCE on September 2, 1968, in Golfe Juan, France. Captain Matthews and his wife, the former Floye Youmans have three daughters, Kathryn Anne, Patricia and Patti Anne. 27