BIOGRAPHY:

RADM (Ret) Mayo A. Hadden, Jr.

Born: Holland, Michigan, August 1916

Graduated, BA Hope College, Holland, Michigan

Enlisted in U.S. Navy 1942 for Aviation Flight Program

Completed training then was sent to Miami where he earned his wings

Deployed to North Africa, then was transferred to the Pacific

Became a Fighter Ace, officially credited with 8 enemy aircraft shoot downs

Showcased in Life Magazine

Navigator USS Yorktown

Commanded USS Graffias

Commanded USS Hornet

Commanded Iceland Defense Force; Island Command Iceland (NATO)

Commanded Fleet Air Wings Atlantic; and 1st Naval District

Has had a display in the Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:

Silver Star; Nov 8, 1942; Feb 16-17, 1944; (2nd Award)

Distinguished Flying Cross; Oct 5, 1943; Nov 11, 1943; Feb 22, 1944 (3rd Award)

Purple Heart; Nov 9, 1942; Oct 5, 1943; Nov 11, 1943; (3rd Award)

Air Medal; Sep 23, 1943; Oct 5, 1943; Nov 18-25, 1943; Feb 3, 1944;

Memorandum of Appreciation, from JCS, Feb 6, 1963; for Performance during the recent Cuban operations.