A TRIBUTE TO THE COMMISSIONING OFFICER
USS KENNETH D. BAILEY (DD-713)

Written by Bruce P. Richards
Edited by Francis B. Olender

        The commissioning Captain of the K.D. BAILEY (DD-713), Gilbert Haven Richards, Jr., (5/29/11-3/11/83) was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Gilbert Haven Richards and Wilhemina Ferry.  Captain Richards had one sister, Dorothy, later Mrs. Otis Coleman.  Captain Richards grew up in Waukegan, graduating from its high school in 1929.  His leadership qualities were already evident, being commanding officer of the school's ROTC, class vice-president, president of Hi-Y, and a tackle on the football team.  He earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in May of 1929.

        Captain Richards enjoyed four good years at Annapolis, graduating in the top fifth of his class in 1933.  He received his commission immediately, an honor bestowed on only half of the class during that depression year.  On November 2, 1936, Captain Richards joined with Margaret Claire Kuter in marriage, which lasted his lifetime, with the romance never fading.  They were blessed with three offspring:  Gilbert Haven III (1934), Lynn (1940), and Bruce Paul (1947).

        Before World War II, Captain Richards served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets on the battleship CALIFORNIA, the destroyer AYLWIN, the survey ship HANNIBAL (the last coal burner in the U.S. Navy), and the cruiser TUSCALOOSA (upon which President Roosevelt spent some R & R time).  At the outbreak of World War II, Captain Richards was stationed in the Executive Department at Annapolis.

        After Pearl Harbor, Captain Richards was detached for sea duty as Captain of the destroyer MOFFETT, doing anti-submarine and convoy duty with the Atlantic Fleet.  In 1943 Captain Richards was instrumental in the location and destruction of a German U-boat under extremely difficult combat conditions.  He was awarded the Legion of Merit with star as a result of that engagement.  The citation made in 1945 reads in part as follows:

        "For exceptional meritorious conduct....during the search for and against an enemy submarine in the Atlantic war area on August 3 and 4.  Comdr. Richards succeeded in detecting the surfaced U-boat and.....succeeded in re-establishing contact and in launching a depth charge and gunfire attack against the hostile craft to damage it extensively and contributed to its subsequent sinking.  His superb seamanship, outstanding initiative, and courage throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

        On July 31, 1945 Cmdr. Richards took command of the K.D. BAILEY (DD-713), a new super destroyer, commissioned at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York.  After its shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the K.D. BAILEY became the flagship of the Atlantic destroyer flotilla piered in Portland, Maine.  By January and February, 1946, Captain Richards with the K.D. BAILEY, served as a plane guard for the shakedown cruise of the new carrier, the PRINCETON.

        With the surrender of Germany, the K.D. BAILEY was preparing for the assault on Japan when the Pearl Harbor infamy ended with the surrender of Japan.  This caused the K.D. BAILEY to be assigned to the Atlantic Fleet.  One of his last assignments was the participation of the K.D. BAILEY in the 8th Fleet maneuvers off the shore  of Virginia.  The new 8th Fleet battle group was being created as insurance if events in the Mediterranean took a turn for the worse after the war's ending.  The group was headed by Admiral Marc Mitscher.

        In the summer of 1946, Captain Richards terminated his command of the K.D. BAILEY, as well as his career in the U.S. Navy.  After a brief stay in Bethesda Naval Hospital, resulting from "the rigors of continuous sea duty," he retired to civilian life.  He located in the little shore town of West Long Branch, NJ, becoming a community leader.  He chose to work close to home in executive and security positions at Lavoie Electronics, Bendix, and Electronics Associates, retiring in 1971 due to severe arthritis.  He died in March, 1983.  His civilian life was as successful as his Navy life, although his son, Bruce Paul, stated, "His heart never left the U.S. Navy."