James G. Townsley
1923 - 2004
Silver Star Recipient
On January 9, 2004, James G. Townsley, a lifetime member of
our Association, passed away in Middletown, Ohio
at the age of 80. He served on board the Laffey from August 1944 through January 1947 and was awarded
the
Silver Star medal for his performance of duties as Machine Gun Control
Officer on April 16, 1945.
Mr. Townsely was born on December 21, 1923, attended high
school in Lebanon, Ohio and completed his formal
education at the U. S. Naval Aacademy prior to joining our ship in Pearl Harbor. He reported on board
together with
another classmate, Robert Thomsen in August of 1944. I
clearly
remember the two officers as they approached our
ship where it was moored
starboard side to the pier. Those of us observing him (with binoculars, no
less) were
unanimous in our evaluation that Jim was an Academy man.
He returned to civilian life in 1947 and was recalled into
the Korean Emergency in 1950, during which time he taught
navigation at the
Naval Academy. Upon being discharged, he joined Armco Steel Company, serving
this company
for 37 years, and retiring as Corporate Vice President of
Engineering. He spent much of his retirement keeping track
of his 7 children
and 11 grandchildren.
His wife, Mrs. Betty Townsley, may be contacted at
105 Muskingum Circle
Monroe, Ohio 45050
(513) 539-0885
townsley@infinet.com.
