In Memoriam Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Americans for a Stronger Navy

November 13, 2023

Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Rear Adm. Daniel J. Callaghan

“Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.'” JFK

Hello, members and friends of the Americans For a Stronger Navy. Today, we take a break from our podcast series to honor those who have served our nation with extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

As part of our Medal of Honor Monday series, we will feature a different Navy hero every week, and share their stories of valor and service with you. We hope that by doing so, we can inspire you to appreciate and support the Navy and its mission, and to learn from the examples of courage and patriotism that these heroes have set in times of war and peace.

This week, we are proud to present Navy Rear Adm. Daniel Judson Callaghan, who commanded ships fighting against a massive enemy force during one of the deadliest battles of World War II. Callaghan did not survive the ordeal, but his leadership, foresight and courage helped lead his sailors to victory. That earned him a posthumous Medal of Honor.

Callaghan was born on 26 July 1890 in Oakland, California. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1911, and served as an engineering officer, an executive officer, and a naval aid to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. By April 1942, he was promoted to rear admiral while commanding the cruiser USS San Francisco.

By November, he was in the middle of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, where the Allies had retaken the island from the Japanese, who were desperately trying to take it back. On the night of 12 November, Callaghan learned that a large Japanese naval force was heading toward his position, which was in Iron Bottom Sound between Guadalcanal and Savo Island.

The Japanese ships were superior in numbers and in power, but Callaghan decided to engage them with his task force, which consisted of three light cruisers, eight destroyers and two heavy cruisers, including the San Francisco, the task force’s flagship. Hedevised a plan of attack, and led his forces into battle against tremendous odds.

The battle was chaotic and fierce, and the San Francisco was the first to face enemy ships by taking on the Hiei, a Japanese battleship, in a head-on duel. Callaghan and the San Francisco’s commanding officer, Capt. Cassin Young, were both on the ship’s bridge wing directing close-range operations. They were both killed by a shell from the Hiei, but not before they inflicted heavy damage on the enemy ship.

The blast also knocked the ship’s communications officer, Lt. Cmdr. Bruce McCandless, unconscious. When he woke up, he realized Callaghan and Young were gone, so he took command of the ship and the task force, and ordered them to continue their bombardment. He also managed to sink a destroyer and damage two other Japanese vessels.

Eventually, the Japanese admiral, who was commanding the enemy ships, lost his nerve and ordered his crews to withdraw and regroup. The battle was over, and the Allies had won a decisive victory. They had prevented the Japanese from bombarding Henderson Field, the airfield on Guadalcanal, and from delivering troops to the island’s shores. The battle was the last in a series that forced the Japanese to surrender Guadalcanal for good, handing the Allies a strategic victory.

The win came at a heavy price for the Allies, too. Nine U.S. ships were sunk while about a dozen more were damaged. More than 1,700 Americans lost their lives, including Callaghan. He was buried at sea, and his name is listed on the Wall of the Missing at the Manila Cemetery in the Philippines.

On 9 December 1942, his son, Navy Lt. j.g. Daniel J. Callaghan Jr., received the Medal of Honor on his father’s behalf from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His citation read:

“For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty during action against enemy Japanese forces off Savo Island on the night of 12-13 November 1942. Although out-balanced in strength and numbers by a desperate and determined enemy, Rear Adm. Callaghan, with ingenious tactical skill and superb coordination of the units under his command, led his forces into battle against tremendous odds, thereby contributing decisively to the rout of a powerful invasion fleet, and to the consequent frustration of a formidable Japanese offensive. While faithfully directing close-range operations in the face of furious bombardment by superior enemy fire power, he was killed on the bridge of his flagship.”

Callaghan is a true Navy hero, who exemplified the values of courage, honor, and commitment. He showed us what it means to defend our country and our freedom, even in the face of overwhelming odds and danger. He also showed us what it means to lead and inspire our fellow sailors and our Navy family, even in the midst of chaos and pain. He is a role model and an inspiration for all of us, and we are grateful for his service and his legacy.

We hope that you enjoyed this week’s Medal of Honor Monday, and that you learned something new and valuable from Callaghan’s story. Please join us next week, as we feature another Navy hero who earned the Medal of Honor. Thank you for your attention and your support. Stay safe and stay strong. This is Bill, signing off.

November 5, 2023November 6, 2023

Honoring the Brave: Remembering YN3 Shingo Alexander Douglass

Introduction

The sea has always been an unforgiving frontier, demanding respect and vigilance from those who traverse its expanse. The men and women of the United States Navy stand as guardians over these waters, often paying the ultimate price in service to their nation. This truth was solemnly underscored as we gathered to honor the memory of Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass at the U.S. Navy Memorial.

Moment of Silence

Before delving into the heart of our narrative, let us observe a moment of silence. A moment to reflect on the sacrifice of YN3 Douglass and his six fellow sailors who perished on June 17, 2017, in the collision between the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and the MV ACX Crystal.

Why This Matters

It is imperative to recognize these acts of valor and the profound losses that accompany them. In doing so, we not only honor the fallen but also reinforce the backbone of the values upon which our Navy and nation are built: courage, honor, and commitment.

Story

The memorial service held on October 28, 2023, was not just an act of remembrance but also a testament to the enduring bonds of military service. It connected generations, from the World War II veterans to the family of YN3 Douglass—his father and grandfather, who have both known the weight of service and sacrifice.

Stephen Douglass, YN3’s father, eloquently captured the mix of pride and grief felt by those left behind, reminding us of the personal stories etched into the collective memory of our military heritage. His presence, along with that of Carl Douglass, a Purple Heart recipient, reminded us that service is often a shared family journey.

The Honor Flight Network plays a pivotal role in this narrative, enabling veterans to witness how their legacy is honored and remembered in the nation’s capital. The inscription of YN3 Douglass’s name on a seat at the Navy Memorial auditorium serves as a permanent reminder of his sacrifice.

Conclusion

As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that every sailor’s story writes a part of our national identity. The memorial for YN3 Shingo Alexander Douglass serves as a bridge between past, present, and future sailors. It is a call to honor, to remember, and to ensure that the sacrifices made in service to our nation are never forgotten.

An official website of the United States government and programs like the Honor Flight are crucial in this mission.

Our sailors are the steel spine of our nation’s defense. In the memory of YN3 Douglass and all those who have served, let us strive to fortify that spine, ensuring a Navy—and a nation—that remains ever strong, vigilant, and worthy of their sacrifice.

September 17, 2023

The USS Murphy: The Ship That Sank But Didn’t

Introduction

The USS Murphy was a Benson-class destroyer that served in World War II and earned four battle stars for its actions.

We are grateful to Captain Lennon, a former crew member of the USS Henry B. Wilson, for sharing this story with us and allowing us to honor the memory of the USS Murphy and its crew.

But the USS Murphy also had a unique and tragic story that made it one of the most unusual ships in naval history.

In 1943, the USS Murphy was cut in half by a collision with a tanker off the coast of New Jersey, and its bow section sank with 38 sailors on board.

However, the stern section survived and was repaired with a new bow, and the ship returned to service until 1946.

In this blog post, we will explore the strange tale of the USS Murphy, the ship that sank but didn’t.

The USS Murphy: The Ship That Sank But Didn’t

• The USS Murphy was commissioned in July of 1942 and joined the Atlantic Fleet. It was one of 30 Benson-class destroyers, which were 348 feet long and carried a crew of 260 enlisted men and 15 officers. The USS Murphy was armed with five 5-inch guns, six 0.5-inch machine guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and two depth charge racks .
• The USS Murphy first saw action in 1943 as part of Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. It provided fire support for the landing forces and engaged in several naval battles with the Axis forces. The USS Murphy took a hit in its starboard engine room while shelling a coastal battery at Point Blondin, Algeria, causing three deaths and 25 injuries among its crew . The ship returned to Boston for repairs and resumed its escort duty along the east coast.
• In July of 1943, the USS Murphy participated in the invasion of Sicily, where it again supported the landing forces and fought off enemy air attacks. After completing this operation, the ship returned to the US to escort convoys across the North Atlantic to Great Britain. It was during one of these convoys that the USS Murphy met its fate on October 21, 1943 .
• On that night, the USS Murphy was part of a convoy of 38 ships that left New York Harbor for Liverpool, England. The moon was waning in its last quarter, making it difficult to see in the dark. The USS Murphy received a report of an unidentified radar contact ahead of the convoy and was sent to investigate. The contact turned out to be one of the convoy’s own ships, the tanker SS Bulkoil .
• The SS Bulkoil was a T2 tanker that carried 140,000 barrels of fuel oil. It was 523 feet long and weighed over 10,000 tons. The captain of the SS Bulkoil mistook the USS Murphy for a torpedo attack and turned sharply to avoid it. However, this maneuver put the tanker on a collision course with the destroyer .
• The SS Bulkoil struck the USS Murphy at full speed on its port side, between its superstructure and forward stack. The impact was so powerful that it sliced through the destroyer’s hull and severed it in two. The bow section sank within minutes, taking with it 38 sailors who were trapped inside. The stern section remained afloat, thanks to its watertight doors and compartments .
• The survivors of the USS Murphy were rescued by other ships in the convoy, while the damaged stern section was towed back to New York by two tugs. The SS Bulkoil also survived the collision with minor damage and continued its voyage to England .
• The Navy decided to salvage what was left of the USS Murphy and rebuild it with a new bow section. The repair work took seven months and cost over $4 million. The USS Murphy was recommissioned in May of 1944 and rejoined the Atlantic Fleet .
• The USS Murphy resumed its service in World War II and took part in several operations in Europe. It supported the Normandy invasion at Omaha Beach in June of 1944, where it bombarded enemy positions and defended against air attacks. It also escorted convoys to France and Russia, patrolled the English Channel, and participated in the invasion of Southern France in August of 1944 .
• In January of 1945, the USS Murphy had a special mission: it transported King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia from Jeddah to Egypt, where he met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the cruiser USS Quincy. The meeting was part of Roosevelt’s effort to secure oil supplies and strategic alliances in the Middle East .
• The USS Murphy continued its service in the Mediterranean until the end of the war in Europe. It then returned to the US and prepared for the war in the Pacific. However, the war ended before the USS Murphy could join the Pacific Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in October of 1946 and placed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Charleston, South Carolina .
• The USS Murphy remained in reserve until 1969, when it was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. In October of 1972, it was sold for scrap. But somewhere, deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, there was still a part of the USS Murphy that had never been recovered: its original bow section .
• The bow section of the USS Murphy still rests on its side under 260 feet of water, about 20 miles off the coast of New Jersey. It is a solemn reminder of the 38 sailors who died on that fateful night in 1943. The wreck was discovered by divers in 1989 and explored by several expeditions since then. In 2006, a team from the Seeker filmed the wreck for a documentary series called Quest for Sunken Warships. They left behind a commemorative plaque honoring the fallen sailors .

• Today, there is also a memorial for the USS Murphy and its crew in a park in Surf City, Long Island. The memorial consists of a plaque with the names of the 38 sailors who died in the collision, as well as a piece of metal from the ship’s hull. The memorial was dedicated in 1993, on the 50th anniversary of the sinking .

Conclusion

The USS Murphy was a remarkable ship that served in World War II and earned four battle stars for its actions. But it also had a unique and tragic story that made it one of the most unusual ships in naval history.

In 1943, it was cut in half by a collision with a tanker off the coast of New Jersey, and its bow section sank with 38 sailors on board.

However, the stern section survived and was repaired with a new bow, and the ship returned to service until 1946.

The USS Murphy was a ship that sank but didn’t, and its story is a testament to the courage and resilience of its crew and the Navy.

Let us have a moment of silence for the 38 sailors who lost their lives on that fateful night in 1943.

General characteristics
Class and type
Benson-class destroyer
Displacement
1,620 tons
Length
348 ft 4 in (106.17 m)
Beam
36 ft 1 in (11.00 m)
Draft
17 ft 4 in (5.28 m)
Speed
37 knots (69 km/h; 43 mph)
Complement
265
Armament
4 x 5 in (130 mm) guns
40 mm guns
5 x 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes
4 depth charge throwers

August 23, 2023August 23, 2023

The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official ceremonial unit of the Navy, established in 1931

Sailors from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and a trumpeter from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band conduct Military Funeral Honors for U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernest Barchers, Jr. in Columbarium Court 11 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 22, 2023. Barchers served during WWII and Korea. Barchers was inurned with his wife, Norma, during the same ceremony. They were married for 72 years. Barchers’ son, Steven, received the U.S. flag from the service. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)

Located at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC, the Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital .

One of the most solemn and honorable duties of the Navy Ceremonial Guard is to conduct military funeral honors for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The Navy Ceremonial Guard serves as the funeral escort and provides casket bearers, firing party, color guard, and bugler for these services.

Among the thousands of Navy veterans who rest in Arlington National Cemetery are many who served during World War II and the Korean War. These veterans fought bravely and sacrificed greatly for our nation and our allies in two of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.

They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their service.

On August 22, 2023, the Navy Ceremonial Guard conducted military funeral honors for Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernest Barchers Jr., who served during both World War II and the Korean War.

Barchers was inurned with his wife of 72 years during the ceremony . Barchers was one of the many World War II and Korean War veterans who experienced cold injuries as a result of exposure to severe cold climates during their service.

Cold weather accounted for 16% of Army non-battle injuries and over 5,000 U.S. casualties of cold injury required evacuation from Korea during the winter of 1950-1951.

These cold-related problems may worsen as veterans grow older and develop complicating conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, which place them at higher risk for late amputations .

The Navy Ceremonial Guard honors these veterans not only by providing them with dignified funeral services, but also by raising awareness about their health issues and benefits.

The Veterans Affairs (VA) offers health care and compensation benefits for veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation or participated in radiation-risk activities during World War II or the Korean War The VA also provides an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers

The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is proud to serve as a living symbol of naval heritage and tradition. They are dedicated to honoring the legacy of those who served before them, especially the heroes of World War II and the Korean War.

They are also committed to educating the public about the history and achievements of the Navy and its veterans.

We at Americans for a Stronger Navy salute the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard for their professionalism, excellence, and devotion to duty. We also thank all World War II and Korean War veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and service to our country. You are not forgotten.

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June 6, 2023June 6, 2023

Honoring D-Day Heroes: The 79th Anniversary

The Celebration at Pointe du Hoc

On June 5, 2023, service members and civilians in France honored D-Day veterans during the 79th anniversary ceremony at Pointe du Hoc. This ceremony underscored the heroic efforts of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions who scaled the cliffs at Normandy, France, in 1944. The Defense Department recognizes these heroes for their selfless service and sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace and security.

Operation Neptune: The U.S. Navy on D-Day

The naval component of Operation Overlord, known as Operation Neptune, began in the early hours of June 6, 1944. This operation marked the start of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France and played a vital role in breaking Hitler’s Festung Europa (Fortress Europe).

The Allied Invasion Fleet

Under the command of Admiral Sir Bertram H. Ramsay, the Allied invasion fleet was divided into Western (American) and Eastern (British) Task Forces. They embarked upon the massive assault, the naval part of which was executed under the command of Rear Admiral Alan G. Kirk, Task Force 122.

The Bombardment and The Challenges

In opening the invasion, a naval bombardment within the American sectors was coordinated with the arrival of Eighth Air Force bombers. Despite the remarkable firepower of the U.S. Navy, German forces did not suffer significant casualties during the bombardment.

The Role of Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs)

The NCDUs, combined with U.S. Army engineers, formed gap assault teams (GATs) tasked with detonating mines and clearing obstacles on the landing beaches. Despite the intense enemy fire and rapidly rising tide, the gap assault teams on Omaha managed to clear five of the 16 assigned gaps.

Heroism at Omaha Beach

The success of the invasion seemed most dubious at Omaha Beach, where the American GIs remained pinned down, unable to advance. The situation began to turn around when a handful of British and American destroyers began pounding the enemy gun positions. The Allied troops were finally able to move forward, engage, and destroy the enemy.

The Significance of D-Day

The successful invasion of northern France on D-Day marked a significant moment in U.S. naval history. Rear Admiral Kirk, reflecting on the day, stated, “Our greatest asset was the resourcefulness of the American sailor.”

—Guy J. Nasuti, NHHC Histories and Archives Division, May 2019

May 29, 2023May 29, 2023

Honoring the Past and Present this Memorial Day

The Meaning of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed on the last Monday of May, which this year falls on May 29, 2023. But how did this tradition start and what does it mean for Americans today?

The Origins of Memorial Day

Memorial Day has its origins in the aftermath of the Civil War, the deadliest conflict in U.S. history that claimed more than 600,000 lives. In the years following the war, Americans in various towns and cities began holding springtime tributes to the fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and flags.

One of the earliest and largest commemorations was organized by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina, less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. They held a parade and a service at a former racecourse where Union prisoners of war had been buried in a mass grave.

In 1868, General John A. Logan, the leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 30. He named it Decoration Day, and urged Americans to “strew with flowers or otherwise decorate the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country.”

Decoration Day gradually became known as Memorial Day, and was extended to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in any war. In 1971, Congress declared it a federal holiday and moved it to the last Monday of May, creating a three-day weekend for many Americans.

The Traditions of Memorial Day

Today, Memorial Day is marked by ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials across the country, as well as by parades and family gatherings. Many people visit the graves of their loved ones or veterans they know, and place flowers or flags on them. Some also wear poppies, a symbol of remembrance inspired by a World War I poem.

Memorial Day is also seen as the unofficial start of summer, a time for picnics, barbecues and outdoor activities. However, some people criticize this aspect of the holiday as disrespectful to the true meaning of honoring the war dead.

120501-N-LD343-007 WASHINGTON (May 1, 2012) Members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team stands by after the United States and Australian wreaths are laid near the Lone Sailor statue at the U.S. Navy Memorial during the 70th anniversary ceremony commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea. The battle took place in early May of 1942 and was a major air and naval engagement of World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Demetrius Kennon/Released)

The Purpose of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is not only about remembering the past, but also about honoring the present. It is a day to express gratitude to those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom and security. It is also a day to reflect on the values and ideals that they fought for, and to renew our commitment to uphold them.

As Americans for a Stronger Navy, we also honor the legacy of those who served in the U.S. Navy by advocating for increasing the size and capabilities of the U.S. naval fleet to ensure national security and global stability. You can learn more about our mission and vision at StrongerNavy.org.

We believe that “a strong Navy deters aggression from our adversaries; protects our allies; secures our trade routes; supports humanitarian missions; responds to natural disasters; and preserves our way of life.”

We also believe that “a weak Navy invites challenges from our enemies; endangers our friends; jeopardizes our economy; limits our global reach; reduces our influence; and undermines our values.”

We support policies that would increase funding for naval shipbuilding and maintenance; modernize naval weapons and systems; expand naval training and readiness; enhance naval innovation and research; and strengthen naval partnerships and alliances.

By doing so, we hope to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the U.S. Navy in the past, present and future.

As President Abraham Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address, “It is for us the living … to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced … that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023

Supporting Our Troops: The Brandon Act’s Impact on Mental Health Care for Service Members

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta

Introduction:

The mental health and well-being of our service members is of utmost importance. As part of our mission to strengthen the U.S. Navy, Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support the Brandon Act, which aims to improve mental health support for service members. The new policy will allow service members to seek help confidentially and improve the referral process for mental health evaluations. By taking care of our people, we ensure that they are ready to serve and protect our nation.

Summary:

The Brandon Act is named after Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018. The legislation was signed into law in 2021 and aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health care. The policy directs the services to establish procedures for service members to request a referral for a mental health evaluation through a commanding officer or supervisor. The implementation of the Brandon Act will occur in two phases, and additional mental health resources will be available to service members worldwide.

Key takeaways:

The Brandon Act aims to improve mental health support for service members.
The policy allows service members to seek help confidentially and reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.
The services will establish procedures for service members to request a referral for a mental health evaluation through a commanding officer or supervisor.
The implementation of the Brandon Act will occur in two phases, and additional mental health resources will be available to service members worldwide.

Conclusion:

We must support our service members who ask for help and ensure that they have access to confidential mental health care.

By supporting the Brandon Act, Americans for a Stronger Navy is taking an important step in strengthening the U.S. Navy. We urge all Americans to join us in supporting our troops and recognizing the importance of mental health care for our service members.

By doing so, we can ensure that our military services are ready and able to protect our nation.

April 1, 2023April 1, 2023

The Incredible Story of Navy SEAL Mike Day: A Hero’s Legacy

Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Douglas “Mike” Day looks to his family during the reading of the citation as his presentation of the 2008 Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award in Crystal City, Va., Dec. 8, 2008. (MC1 Chad J. McNeeley/Defense Department

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Douglas “Mike” Day, a true American hero and a highly decorated Navy SEAL. Day’s incredible bravery and unwavering commitment to duty in the face of unimaginable adversity exemplify the very best of the U.S. Navy.

We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow service members, and we thank him for his selfless service to our country.

May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all.Mike Day, a highly decorated Navy SEAL who survived being shot 27 times in Iraq in 2007, passed away on March 27, 2023 according to press reports.

More About Mike Day

During a raid against an al Qaeda cell in Fallujah, Day was shot multiple times but managed to shoot and kill two of the terrorists.

He directed his team to guard a group of women and children found in the building and used the radio of a fellow SEAL who was killed during the raid to make contact with the rest of his team. Day was eventually evacuated from the battlefield and later retired from the Navy in 2010.

He went on to work as an advocate for wounded military veterans and wrote an autobiography, “Perfectly Wounded,” which was published in 2020. Available at bookstores everywhere.

The resilience of people who have gone through trauma is incredible.

More About Navy Seal Teams

March 3, 2023March 3, 2023

Lost USS Albacore (SS-218) found

Recently, naval historians confirmed the shipwreck site off the coast of Hokkaido as the USS Albacore using images provided by Dr. Tamaki Ura of the University of Tokyo.

The Akron Beacon Journal has honored, Johnny Carano, an Akron teenager, left high school and joined the US Navy during World War II by lying about his age. He served aboard the USS Albacore (SS-218), which was lost at sea on November 7, 1944, after striking a mine off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan. All 85 crew members, including Carano, were killed in the explosion.

The Naval History and Heritage Command’s underwater archaeology branch thanked and congratulated Dr. Ura and his team for their efforts in locating the wreck.