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TAPS
Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night. |
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Born: December 29, 1891
at Colton, WA
Entered Service in the US
Navy from Washington
Earned
The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism February 04
- 27, 1942 at Darwin to Koepang, Timor, Netherlands East
Indies
Died: March
01, 1942 at the age of 50
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Captain Rooks
was commanding officer of the U.S.S. Houston in action with
superior Japanese aerial and surface forces. While proceeding to
attack an enemy amphibious expedition, Houston was heavily
attacked by bombers. After evading four attacks, she was heavily
hit in a fifth, lost 60 killed and had one turret disabled.
Captain Rooks made his ship again seaworthy and sailed three
days to escort an important reinforcing convoy from Darwin to
Koepang, Timor, Netherlands East Indies. While so engaged,
another powerful air attack developed which by Houston's marked
efficiency was fought off without much damage to the convoy. The
commanding general of all forces in the area canceled the
movement and Captain Rooks escorted the convoy back to Darwin.
Later, while in a considerable American-British-Dutch force
engaged with an overwhelming force of Japanese surface ships,
Houston with H.M.S. Exeter carried the brunt of the battle, and
her fire alone heavily damaged one and possibly two heavy
cruisers. Although heavily damaged in the actions, Captain Rooks
succeeded in disengaging his ship when the flag officer
commanding broke off the action and got her safely away from the
vicinity, whereas one-half of the cruisers were lost.
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