During World War II , Thiele helped design the Wind-class icebreaker and the USCGC Mackinaw ( WAGB-83 ) . He then served as the first Executive Officer of the USCGC Westwind ( WAGB-281 ) , one of the ships he helped to design . Later , he commanded the USS General D. E. Aultman ( AP-156 ) and the USS Wakefield ( AP-21 ) in the Pacific Theater of Operations . Awards Thiele received for his service in the war include the American Defense Service Medal , the World War II Victory Medal , the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the Philippine Defense Medal
World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal (United States)
Edward Thiele