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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.
Fleet Clasp for US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard for service on the high seas while regularly attached to any vessels of the Atlantic, Pacific, or Asiatic fleets as well as vessels of the Naval Transport Service and vessels operating directly under the Chief of Naval Operations
Base Clasp for US Navy and US Marine Corps for service outside the continental limits of the United States (service in either Alaska or Hawaii qualified
Sea Clasp for US Coast Guard for all other vessels and aircraft, not qualifying for the Fleet Clasp, which regularly conducted patrols at sea
Foreign Service Class for US Army for military service outside the continental limits of the United States, including service in Alaska.
Year Awarded 1939
Last Updated: Apr 3, 2014
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed