Born: August 8, 1920 Seaman Second Class, United States Naval Reserve
USS BIRMINGHAM (CL-62)
Cleveland-class light cruiser, commissioned January 29, 1943
Date of Enlistment: November 11, 1942 Home or Place of Enlistment: Kendrick, Idaho Date of Loss: October 24, 1944
Killed in Action during operations against Imperial Japanese Forces at the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. The USS Birmingham suffered great topside damage from explosions on board the aircraft carrier USS Princeton while attempting to aid the stricken vessel.
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY Washington
The Secretary if the Navy takes pleasure in commending the U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM
for service as follows: For extremely meritorious service during Salvage Operations after the U.S.S. PRINCETON had been critically damaged by enemy Japanese action in the Battle off Samar, October 24, 1944. Undeterred by foul weather, fires raging on the flight and hangar decks of the stricken carrier and a series of violent internal explosions, the U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM gallantly went alongside. Operating in a choppy sea as the wind steadily rose and rain reduced visibility, the BIRMINGHAM fought fires desperately for several hours with every means available and had almost extinguished the devastating blaze when forced to desist and gain sea room to protect the PRINCETON against the combined threat of submarine and air attack. With the carrier drifting rapidly in the high wind, the valiant cruiser had again maneuvered close aboard when a terrific explosion blew off the major portion of the PRINCETON’s stern, enveloping the BIRMINGHAM in heavy smoke and debris, raking her starboard side from stem to stern with shrapnel, plating and planking and killing or wounding more than half her ship’s company. Prepared to aid further by towing the ruined hulk, she discontinued her perilous mission only when ordered to abandon and sink the PRINCETON, and subsequently retired to Ulithi without assistance despite the serious casualties sustained. Her high standard of integrity, loyalty and service as evidenced by the self-sacrificing devotion to duty of her officers and men reflect the highest credit upon the BIRMINGHAM and the United States Naval Service. All personnel attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM on October 24, 1944, are hereby authorized to wear the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.