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Stanley
John
Michael
June 30, 1897

–

December 12, 1984

Stanley Michael graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1920. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commodore [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    August 29 – November 9, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force: Serial 0356 (December 8, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commodore [then Captain] Stanley John Michael (NSN: 0-56012), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), during operations against enemy Japanese forces from 29 August to 9 November 1944. Expertly conducting operations on board the CABOT while within striking distance of the main Japanese Battle Fleet and a powerful Japanese Carrier force, Commodore Michael brought to bear the full fighting strength of his ship and air groups to inflict severe damage on the enemy. While subjected to vicious attack by strong forces of enemy aircraft, he maintained maximum anti-aircraft fire to account for a large number of enemy aircraft shot down with negligible damage inflicted on ships of his Task Group. His courage and leadership during long periods of sustained action reflect the highest credit upon Commodore Michael, his gallant officers and men and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commodore [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0564 (December 21, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commodore [then Captain] Stanley John Michael (NSN: 0-56012), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on 25 November 1944. With his ship damaged by a near miss and a bomb explosion of the port side forward during an attack by intercepting Japanese aircraft, Commodore Michael immediately proceeded to direct personnel onboard in fighting the raging fires and in effecting emergency repairs to the gasoline system and flight deck and, by his untiring efforts and forceful leadership, succeeded in restoring the CABOT to combat status in record time. By his aggressive initiative, great personal valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards, Commodore Michael contributed in large measure to the saving of a vitally needed aircraft carrier and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commodore [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    June 6 – 28, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0281 (August 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commodore [then Captain] Stanley John Michael (NSN: 0-56012), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28) during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater from 6 to 28 June 1944. In command of a vital unit of our surface forces operating in the most forward areas, Commodore Michael consistently maintained his command in a state of high combat efficiency, enabling his ship and the embarked air groups to strike relentlessly at Japanese shore installations, aircraft and forces afloat. Carrying out his exacting assignments with keen initiative and sound judgment, he contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage upon enemy military and naval forces throughout a critical period of operations. His professional skill and inspiring leadership were important factors in the defeat of the Japanese Empire and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commodore [then Captain]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    October 13 – 17, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commodore [then Captain] Stanley John Michael (NSN: 0-56012), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), operating as a unit of the close air covering force to a Task Group protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged ships, under tow, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 13 to 17 October 1944. With his ship under continuous enemy air attack and threatened by attack from hostile surface and submarine units, Commodore Michael skillfully maneuvered his vessel through the hazardous area to permit the rapid launching and recovery of aircraft to meet all hostile aerial attacks, thereby contributing to the successful withdrawal of the damaged ships to a safe port. His leadership and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Commodore Michael and the United States Naval Service. (Commodore Michael is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)