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.

 

 

 

 

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