Mandrackie, Andrew, BMCS

He served in the United States Navy for 37 years retiring in 1980 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He saw action in 13 Naval battles during World War II including Guadalcanal, Cape Esperance, Savo Island, Munda, Southern Solomons, New Georgia, Rondova, Stanmore Plantation, Enogia Inlet, Bairoko Harbor, Rice Anchorage. He served on the U.S.S. Helena, his favorite ship during his career, which was torpedoed and later sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor as well as on the USS Roche in the Kula Gulf, where again the ship sank after being torpedoed. For both of these incidents, he was awarded two purple hearts. While in the Naval Reserves, Mandrackie worked as a printer for the Strawberry Hill Press in New York City. He was placed in charge of overseeing the USS Intrepid?s transport to New York City Harbor where it is now docked as a Naval Museum. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, carpentry and cabinet making. He was an avid history buff and enjoyed telling stories and answering questions about his war service. He did extensive historical research at West Point in regard to recreating the Naval Revolutionary War Uniforms as well as the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Milford. He was a member of the NRA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion and the Pearl Harbor Survivors. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Helen (Dobson) Mandrackie in 2002.

Andy was my recruiter in North Bergen, NJ. A great Sailor and friend. We will truly miss him. Fair Winds and Follwing Seas, Shipmate.