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Casualty Info
Home Town Charleston, SC
Last Address 1515 Wrightsboro Rd Augusta, GA
Casualty Date Apr 03, 1943
Cause KIA-Body Not Recovered
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Pacific Ocean
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial - Honolulu, Hawaii
Wall/Plot Coordinates Court 5 (cenotaph)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
USS Pickerel (SS-177) began her 7th war patrol on 18 March 1943 and topped off her fuel tanks at Midway, 22 March 1943. She was never heard from again and was the first submarine lost in the Central Pacific Area. Commander Alston Jr. was listed as missing in action and later declared dead 10 August 1945.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 070184
Command positions:
Executive Officer - USS Pickerel (SS-177) - 1/1/41-10/8/42
Commanding Officer - USS Pickerel (SS-177) - 10/8/42-death
Submarine war patrols: USS Pickerel (SS-177) - 3rd through 7th
Bronze Star
For meritorious service as Commanding Officer of (the USS PICKEREL) during a War Patrol of that vessel in enemy-controlled waters. An Aggressive leader and brilliant tactician, Lieutenant Commander Alston boldly intercepted and vigorously engaged hostile convoys and conducted intensive engagements to sink or damage an important amount of Japanese shipping. By his expert, cool and courageous action in the face of grave danger, (he) contributed essentially to the success of his ship throughout a period of bitter offensive action and his zealous devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.
