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Adapted from "Biography of Captain David Bryan Young, Jr., USN" [biography, dated March 1978] in Biographies, 20th century collection, Navy Department Library.

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  • Vietnam Conflict 1962-1975
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David Bryan Young, Jr.

5 April 1928 -

Captain David Bryan Young, Jr. was born in San Pedro, California on 5 April 1928, the son of the late Captain David B. Young, USN and Mrs. Young. He attended elementary and high schools in Virginia, Maryland and California and entered the US Naval Academy in 1950 after attending San Diego State College. After graduation from the Naval Academy with the Class of 1953, he was commissioned an Ensign, USN and remained on duty at the Naval Academy until entering flight training in the fall of 1953. 

Upon designation as a Naval Aviator in January 1955, Captain Young reported to Fighter Squadron THIRTY-TWO (VF-32) at NAS Cecil Field, Florida for a 44-month sea tour. During this tour he deployed twice to the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean operating F9F “Cougar” and F-8 “Crusader” aircraft from the aircraft carriers Ticonderoga and Saratoga.

In November 1958 Captain Young was ordered to Naples, Italy and spent a three-year tour as Naval Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe. In October of 1961 he returned to NAS Cecil Field for two years duty as a flight instructor in Attack Squadron FORTY-FOUR (VA-44). In March 1964, after attending Combat Information Center School in Glynco, Georgia, Captain Young reported aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), homeported in San Diego, as Assistant Air Operations Officer. During 1964-66 Ticonderoga participated in two combat deployments to Southeast Asia. 

In April 1966 Captain Young entered Light Attack Transitional Training at NAS Lemoore, California, and in September 1966 reported to Attack Squadron NINETY-THREE (VA-93) where he served as Administrative and Executive Officer. In 1967 he deployed to the Tonkin Gulf for a seven month combat four flying A4E aircraft from USS Hancock (CVA-19). In January 1969 Captain Young detached from VA-93 and reported to Attack Squadron SEVENTY-TWO (VA-72) as Executive Officer and deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS F.D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). In 1969 he again deployed to the Sixth Fleet with VA-72 operating from USS Shangri-La (CVA-38). Upon returning to NAS Cecil Field the squadron transitioned from A-4 aircraft to the A7B “Corsair II”. 

In October 1969 Captain Young assumed command of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-TWO. During his tenure of command the squadron was awarded both the Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency Award and the Chief of Naval Operations Aircraft Safety Award. In September 1970 Captain Young reported to the Commander, Fleet Aircraft Jacksonville as Light Attack Training Officer. 

In March 1971 he reported to the Strategic Operations Division, J-3, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for duty. In August of 1972 Captain Young entered the National War College and graduated with the Class of 1973. Following graduation he was ordered to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-601) for duty. After selection to the rank of Captain, he reported to the Far East Division, J-5, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 1974. Upon detachment from the Joint Staff in September 1975 Captain Young assumed duties as Deputy Director of the Naval Historical Center [now Naval History and Heritage Command] at the Washington Navy Yard. He remained in this billet until reporting to the Staff, Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Fleet, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans. In August 1977, following hospitalization and convalescent leave, Captain Young was again assigned to the Naval Historical Center in a six month Limited Duty status. 

In March 1978 Captain Young retired from active duty and was placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List. Upon retirement Captain Young assumed the position of Associate Executive Director of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps with offices at 818 18th Street NW, Washington, DC. 

Captain Young was a member of the Army and Navy Club of Washington, DC, the US Naval Academy Alumni Association, the Association of Naval Aviation, the National War College Alumni Association, the US Naval Institute, and the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association.

Major Duty assignments:
July 1949 – June 1953 Midshipman, US Naval Academy.
June 1953 – September 1953 Instructor, US Naval Academy
September 1953 – January 1955 Student pilot, Naval Air Training Command
February 1955 – October 1958 Pilot, Fighter Squadron Thirty-Two, NAS Cecil Field, USS Ticonderoga and USS Saratoga. F9F and F-8 aircraft.
October 1958 – October 1961 Aide & Flag Lieutenant to Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Southern Europe, Naples, Italy
October 1961 – October 1963 Instructor pilot, Attack Squadron Forty-Four, NAS Cecil Field. F9F aircraft.
November 1963 – February 1964 Student, CIC School, Glynco, Ga.
March 1964 – April 1966 Asst. Air Operations Officer, USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), Pacific Fleet.
May 1966 – September 1966 Refresher training, Attack Squadron 125, NAS Lemoore, Ca. A4C/E aircraft
September 1966 – January 1968 Administrative & Executive Officer, Attack Squadron 93, NAS Lemoore and USS Hancock (CVA-19). A4E/F aircraft
March 1968 – September 1970 Executive & Commanding Officer, Attack Squadron 72, NAS Cecil Field, USS F.D. Roosevelt and USS Shangri-la. A4B and A7B aircraft.
September 1970 – January 1971 Staff, Commander Fleet Air Jacksonville.
March 1971 – July 1972 Strategic Operations Div., J-3, OJCS.
August 1972 – June 1973 Student, The National War College.
July 1973 – February 1974 Office of the CNO (OP-601), Pentagon.
February 1974 – September 1975 Far East Div., J-5, OJCS.
September 1975 – April 1976 Deputy Director, Naval Historical Center.
May 1976 – June 1977 Asst. Chief of Staff for Plans, Staff, CINCPACFLT.
August 1977 – March 1978 Naval Historical Center, Washington, DC.
24 March 1978 Retired from active duty.

Promotions

Ensign  -  6 June 1953

Lieutenant (jg)  -  1 December 1955

Lieutenant  -  1 July 1957

Lieutenant Commander  -  1 April 1963

Commander  -  1 July 1967

Captain  -  1 June 1974

Awards and Decorations 

Air Medal (8)

Joint Service Commendation Medal (2)

Navy Commendation Medal (2) with Combat “V”

Navy Unit Commendation

Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation with Combat “V”

Occupation Medal

National Defense Medal with bronze star

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with bronze star

Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Clasp

Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal

 

[END]
Published: Wed Feb 27 14:19:18 EST 2019