About a year later, Ainsworth won the Legion of Merit Medal by his "... exceptionally meritorious conduct ..." while commanding the fire support group during operations which recaptured Guam. Finally, he received a gold star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit for his display of "... exceptional ability and aggressiveness in handling the organization and administration of the cruisers, destroyers, destroyer escorts, and patrol frigates of the Pacific Fleet." Post-war life After returning to the United States in the summer of 1945, Vice Admiral Ainsworth commanded the Fifth Naval District until retiring on December 1, 1948. He died in Washington, D.C., on August 7, 1960. Ainsworth was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on August 11, 1960. Personal life He married Katharine Gardner (August 14, 1888 – September 30, 1973) on June 10, 1916. She was interred beside him at Arlington National Cemetery on October 4, 1973. Their daughter Katharine was married to U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Benedict J. Semmes Jr. Namesake In 1972, the fast frigate was named in his honor. Notes References Papers of Vice Admiral Walden L. Ainsworth, USN (1936–1951), Naval Historical Center. Famous American Admirals- By: Clark G. Reynolds (Pages 1 and 2) Attribution External links 1886 births 1960 deaths Military personnel from Minneapolis United States Naval Academy alumni Naval War College alumni United States Navy vice admirals United States Navy personnel of World War I United States Navy World War II admirals Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal Recipients of the Legion of Merit Burials at Arlington National Cemetery