Background
Isbell was born September 22, 1899 in Oto, Iowa.
Isbell was born September 22, 1899 in Oto, Iowa.
He was appointed to the United States. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland in 1917, graduating and being commissioned as an Ensign in 1920. He served in various vessels in the Pacific until 1923, at which time he was ordered to duty in flight instruction. He received his wings and appointment as Naval Aviator (Seaplane) on 11 January 1924.
From 1924 to 1926 his duty involved flying in various categories, the most notable being on the Navy"s first carrier, United States Ship Langley.
From 1926 to 1929 he undertook the postgraduate course in ordnance at Annapolis, Maryland. Captain Isbell"s duty from 1929 until 1940 when he was promoted to the rank of Commander was principally concerned with flying and ordnance.
He served on the original carrier Lexington, placed the carrier Ranger in commission and served on the Staff of Commander Aircraft, Battle Force. Prior to the actual entrance of the United States in World World War II, Captain Isbell was actively engaged in operations vitally connected with the expansion of United States bases.
Isbell was promoted to Captain in 1942 while in command of the Naval Air Station, Sitka, Alaska.
Following his successful command of the Card, Captain Isbell was on duty with the Tenth Fleet, Anti-submarine Warfare, Navy Department, Washington, District of Columbia, for a year. He then reported to the Pacific Fleet for assignment as Commanding Officer of United States Ship Yorktown. lieutenant was while taking passage on United States Ship Franklin prior to assuming command that Captain Isbell lost his life when the carrier was hit by bombs from a Japanese plane off Okinawa on March 19, 1945.