This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Nicole Summers, MMFN
to remember
Bontier, Albert Marion, CDR.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Caney, KS
Last Address White Plains, NY
Casualty Date Oct 03, 1944
Cause KIA-Body Not Recovered
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Pacific Ocean
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Manila American Cemetery and Memorial - Manila, Philippines
Wall/Plot Coordinates (cenotaph)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
The USS Seawolf (SS-197) began her last war patrol on 21 September 1944. On 29 September, she reached Manus Island in northern Papua New Guinea and sailed the same day carrying stores and Army personnel to the east coast of Samar. The last contact from her was on 3 October 1944. On 28 December 1944, the Seawolf was announced overdue from patrol and presumed lost. Commander Bontier was listed as missing in action and later declared dead on 7 October 1945.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 074825
Silver Star
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Spearfish (SS-190)
General Orders: Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 01090 (June 11, 1946)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Albert Marion Bontier (NSN: 0-74825), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer in the U.S.S. SPEARFISH (SS-190), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in the Southwest Pacific Area from 27 March 1942 to 20 May 1942. His excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships, totaling 10,000 tons. In addition, he assisted considerably in completing a special mission where many military and naval personnel were rescued from an island fortress under constant enemy attack. His coolness and high devotion to duty contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading severe enemy countermeasures. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Her keel was laid down on 27 September 1938 by the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine. She was launched on 15 August 1939 sponsored by Mrs. Edward C. Kalbfus and commissioned on 1 December 1939, Lieutenant Frederick B. Warder (Class of 1925) in command.
The USS Seawolf (SS-197) was a Seadragon-class World War II era submarine. Only four boats of this class were built: USS Seadragon (SS-194), USS Sealion (SS-195), USS Searaven (SS-196), and USS Seawolf (SS-197). In their outward appearance they were almost identical to the Sargo-class boats, however they had a different engine arrangement and all-electric drive. 1
The namesake of the USS Seawolf is the Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus), also known as the seawolf, Atlantic catfish, ocean catfish, wolf eel (the common name for its Pacific relative), or sea cat. It is a marine fish, the largest of the wolffish family (Anarhichadidae). They are commonly sighted throughout Asia.
The radio call sign of the USS Seawolf was NAN-EASY-LOVE-WILLIAM.
She was struck from the Navy list on January 20, 1945.
The Seawolf received thirteen battle stars for World War II service. Her JANAC score is eighteen vessels sunk for 71,609 tons. Her Alden-McDonald score is twenty-seven vessels sunk for 97,035 tons and six vessels damaged for 32,950 tons. Her SORG score is twenty vessels sunk for 109,600 tons and fourteen vessels damaged for 74,100 tons.
