Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Vestal (AR-4), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

December 7th, 1941

Awarded for:

Operation Z (1941)

"For distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism and utter disregard of his own safety, above and beyond the call of duty, as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Vestal, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by enemy Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Comdr. Young proceeded to the bridge and later took personal command of the 3-inch antiaircraft gun. When blown overboard by the blast of the forward magazine explosion of the U.S.S. Arizona, to which the U.S.S. Vestal was moored, he swam back to his ship. The entire forward part of the U.S.S. Arizona was a blazing inferno with oil afire on the water between the 2 ships; as a result of several bomb hits, the U.S.S. Vestal was afire in several places, was settling and taking on a list. Despite severe enemy bombing and strafing at the time, and his shocking experience of having been blown overboard, Comdr. Young, with extreme coolness and calmness, moved his ship to an anchorage distant from the U.S.S. Arizona, and subsequently beached the U.S.S. Vestal upon determining that such action was required to save his ship."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

April 1943

"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 - 13 November, 1942. On this occasion the force to which Captain Young was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country's forces. By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Captain Young contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 313 (posthumously awarded)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38), U.S. Navy

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

1 bronze star

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

2 bronze campaign stars

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)