William Finnic Cates

William Finnic Cates (30 April 1916 - 12 November 1942) was a United States naval hero of World War II who was the namesake for a Navy destroyer escort that saw service later in that war.

Life

Cates was born in Drummonds, Tennessee, 30 April 1916. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 21 January 1942.

While serving as Seaman Second Class in USS San Francisco (CA-38), Cates was killed in action 12 November 1942 when a Japanese torpedo plane, which he kept under fire while refusing to leave his station, crashed aboard the ship. For this heroism, he received the Navy Cross posthumously.

Namesake

USS Cates (DE-763) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 10 October 1943 by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Tampa, Florida, sponsored by Mrs. P. Dyer, and, commissioned 15 December 1943.

ee also

References

:DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c5/cates.htm Cates]