Title
Epaulette of Frederick Becton
Description
A gold and silver bullion left epaulette for a US Navy lieutenant's formal dress uniform.
Collection
Frederick Becton Collection
Context
The first Commanding Officer of the USS Laffey (DD-724), Captain Frederick Becton served as the Laffey's captain from its commissioning on February 8, 1944, to July 1945. Captain Becton was on board the Laffey both for her engagements at Normandy, France on D-Day and during the Battle of Okinawa.
Captain Becton had previously been the Commanding Officer for the USS Aaron War (DD-483). Having both witnessed the sinking of the first USS Laffey (DD-459) and experienced his USS Aaron Ward sinking due to kamikaze strikes, Becton's relationship with these events gave him a unique perspective on preparedness.
Reassigned to the new USS Laffey (DD-724), and with intimate knowledge of what could happen, Becton ran his crew through stringent drills. Sailors credited their battle performance at both the invasion of Normandy and off Okinawa to these drills.
During the Battle of Okinawa, multiple kamikazes struck the USS Laffey. When the thought of abandoning the ship arose, Becton exclaimed, “No! I’ll never abandon ship as long as a single gun will fire!” The Battle earned the USS Laffey the nickname the “Ship that Would Not Die.” The Navy awarded Becton the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism and distinguished service. Never one to forget his crew, he credited the men who served under him as the reason for the ship’s survival.
A career Navy man, Becton was promoted to Rear Admiral on December 1, 1959, after serving on multiple ships, the Department of the Navy, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Captain Becton had previously been the Commanding Officer for the USS Aaron War (DD-483). Having both witnessed the sinking of the first USS Laffey (DD-459) and experienced his USS Aaron Ward sinking due to kamikaze strikes, Becton's relationship with these events gave him a unique perspective on preparedness.
Reassigned to the new USS Laffey (DD-724), and with intimate knowledge of what could happen, Becton ran his crew through stringent drills. Sailors credited their battle performance at both the invasion of Normandy and off Okinawa to these drills.
During the Battle of Okinawa, multiple kamikazes struck the USS Laffey. When the thought of abandoning the ship arose, Becton exclaimed, “No! I’ll never abandon ship as long as a single gun will fire!” The Battle earned the USS Laffey the nickname the “Ship that Would Not Die.” The Navy awarded Becton the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism and distinguished service. Never one to forget his crew, he credited the men who served under him as the reason for the ship’s survival.
A career Navy man, Becton was promoted to Rear Admiral on December 1, 1959, after serving on multiple ships, the Department of the Navy, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Accession #
1997.00002
