Captain William S. Guest, USN
CAPT William S. Guest graduated from the US Naval Academy (1935) and from the Air University and the Naval War College. He served in battleships, destroyers, and carriers. He participated in World War II as a carrier pilot and, in the latter two years of the war, as Chief of Staff of carrier task groups supporting amphibious landings throughout the Pacific. In 1948, he commanded Patrol Squadron 48 in Trinidad. During the Korean War he served as Executive Officer, NAS, San Diego and as Executive Officer of the USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39). After the war his assignments included those of Strike Fleet Atlantic Liaison Officer in Europe, and aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
He received the Air Medal for being the first carrier based aviator to sink a Japanese ship in World War II. In the Battle of the Coral Sea he was awarded the Navy Cross. He also holds the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, SecNav Letter of Commendation, and Presidential and Navy Unit Commendation ribbons for combat service during the period 1943-45.