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Born January 8, 1921 in Cleveland , Ohio . Joined the United States Navy February 1937. I completed my Naval Training at the Great Lakes Training Center in Illinois . After completion of Boot Training, I was transferred to the Battleship USS TENNESSEE (BB 43). I did make Seaman 2/c and received a pay increase from $21.00 a month to $36.00. After my tour of duty on the BB 43, I went to Submarine School in New London , Connecticut . After Submarine School, I was on my way to the Coco Solo, Canal Zone Submarine Base for duty on the USS S-45 (SS 156). After six months on the S-45, I was qualified in November 1938.

I then was transferred to New London, Connecticut for new construction at Electric Boat Company for the USS MACKEREL (SS 204). While on the USS MACKEREL, I made First and Second Class Machinists Mate. We were in the North Atlantic when WW II started, chasing German Submarines. We were fired on by the U-Boat and one torpedo traveled down our starboard side missing us by one foot. We fired back but missed her. She went East and we went South; no more contact after that.

I came back to the Submarine Base and I was transferred to the USS HARDER (SS 257) at Electric Boat Company for commissioning. I made all the Patrols on her and made CPO at the age of 23. Three things I won't forget: 1) being caught in a minefield off the coast of Japan, 2) sinking 5 Destroyers off Tawi-Tawi and 3) the blowing up of a destroyer over our heads at 90 feet; what an awakening that was. We moved the Japanese Fleet out of that area 20 hours ahead of time. We rescued 6 Australian soldiers from North Borneo . After that Patrol, I was transferred to Relief Crew 121 for duty. After R&R I was to return to the USS HARDER but the USS HARDER never returned, as she was lost near the Philippine Islands in August of 1944. I stayed in the Relief Crew in charge of main power for submarine refits.

I was transferred back to the States for new construction. COMSUBLANT sent me to the Boston Navy Yard for fitting out the USS PICKEREL (SS 254). WW II came to an end and we towed her to the Portsmouth Navy Yard, I never did put her in commission. I was transferred to the USS THRESHER (SS 200) for overhaul and getting her ready for the Bikini Atomic test. We didn't make it and she was replaced with another submarine.

I was then transferred to the USS SENNET (SS 408). Did the standard operation, except we did make a South Pole trip with Admiral Byrd in 1946 called OPERATION HIGH JUMP; we didn’t receive the Antarctic Medal for this operation until 2004, some 58 years later. I swapped duty with another Chief on the USS CUTLASS (SS 478) that wanted to go back to the states. I wanted to stay in Panama . We made a trip around the Horn and thru the Magellan Straights. Our Squadron was transferred out of Panama .

I was then transferred to the Submarine School in New London . While there, I ended up Chief in Charge of Damage Control School. Later I was in Squadron 2 as Chief in Charge of the Squadron Overhaul Shop. I was also attached to the SS 475 for pay purpose only. After that, I put the USS TROUT (SS 566) in commission at Electric Boat. After that tour of duty , I ended up on the USS GREENLING (SS 213) as the COB.

I retired from the Navy August 1957. I matriculated to Boston University and after getting my degree; I worked for General Motors for 3 years. I finally got fed up working with civilians and went to work for myself. I became a Snap-on-Tool Dealer for 20 years, and then I retired for the second time. I have kept busy ever since.

I became the Memorabilia Director for the US Submarine Veterans WW II, busy with the local Masonic Lodge, traveling to Europe to attend the International Submarine Association Conventions. Traveled to Australia in 1995 to attend the 50th Anniversary of our being based there during WWII, to Hawaii for the 45th and 50th Anniversaries.

I made 8 Patrol Runs during the war. I received the fol lowing medals and ribbons: Combat Pin , Navy Presiden tial Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Citation , Antarctic Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (with 5 Bronze Stars), American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal (with Letter A), Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (with 5 Stars), Philippine Liberation Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Action Medal, and China Service Medal.

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Last updated by Kevin Galeaz on May 10, 2008 19:02
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