James E. Kyes
| James Ellsworth Kyes | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 16, 1906 Everett, Washington |
| Died | December 23, 1943 (aged 37) killed in action, North Atlantic |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1926–1943 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Commands held | USS Leary (DD-158) |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Battle of the Atlantic |
| Awards | Navy Cross (posthumous) |
James Ellsworth Kyes, born in Everett, Washington, 16 April 1906, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1930. As commanding officer of USS Leary (DD-158), Commander Kyes was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for "extraordinary heroism" during action against German submarines in the North Atlantic 23 December 1943. After his ship had received three torpedo hits and was sinking, he gave the order to abandon ship. As he prepared to leave Leary, he checked to see that none of his men remained on board and spied a kitchen mess boy whose life jacket was torn and useless. Comdr. Kyes removed his own jacket and handed it to the boy. He then calmly climbed over the side and was swallowed up by the waters of the cold Atlantic, gallantly sacrificing his own life to protect a young member of his crew.
[edit] Namesake
In 1945, the destroyer USS James E. Kyes (DD-787) was named in his honor.
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
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