Mickey Rooney Mickey Rooney Mickey Rooney (born Joseph Yule Jr.; September 23, 1920 – April 6, 2014) was an American actor, vaudevillian, comedian, producer and radio personality. In a career spanning nine decades and continuing until shortly before his death, he appeared in more than 300 films and was one of the last surviving stars of the silent film era. At the height of a career that was marked by precipitous declines and raging comebacks, Rooney performed the role of Andy Hardy in a series of 15 films in the 1930s and 1940s that epitomized American family values. A versatile performer, he
Joseph Riddle Jr. killed by enemy fighter aircraft after successfully bombing a Japanese destroyer north of New Georgia Island on 4 February 1943 and was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. was named in his honor. The ship was launched at Newark, New Jersey, 17 October 1943; and sponsored by Mrs. Anna B. Riddle. It was commissioned 17 November 1943. Joseph Riddle Jr. Joseph Riddle Jr. was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, 6 January 1918. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve 28 May 1941, was appointed aviation cadet 2 September 1941; appointed naval aviator 7 March 1942; and appointed ensign 14 March