William Finnic Cates

William Finnie Cates (April 30, 1916 – November 12, 1942) was a United States naval hero of World War II who was the namesake for a Navy destroyer escort that saw service later in that war.

Cates was born in Drummonds, Tennessee, April 30, 1916. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on January 21, 1942.

While serving as Seaman Second Class in USS San Francisco (CA-38), Cates was killed in action November 12, 1942 when a Japanese torpedo plane, which he kept under fire while refusing to leave his station, crashed aboard the ship. For this heroism, he received the Navy Cross posthumously.

USS Cates (DE-763) was named in his honor. The ship was launched October 10, 1943 by Tampa Shipbuilding Co., Inc., Tampa, Florida, sponsored by Mrs. P. Dyer, and, commissioned December 15, 1943.