This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Eugene Claude Ipox, Jr., TM1
to remember
Gressman, George Arthur, PO1.
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Last Address Raleigh, NC
Date of Passing Feb 27, 2013
Location of Interment Buried at Sea, North Atlantic Ocean
Our shipmate, George A. Gressman, 95, a Submarine Veteran of WWII and a Tarheel Base member who lived off Creedmoor Road in Raleigh, NC departed on his eternal patrol on Wednesday, 27 Feb 13. He wished not to have any services. His body was to be cremated, and then his ashes will be taken back out to sea by a submarine from Norfolk, VA at a later date.
George was born on 06/23/17.
George qualified in submarines in 1940 onboard USS R-14 (SS-91). He also served on USS S-24 (SS-129), USS O-9 (SS-70), USS Spearfish (SS-190), and USS Sea Dog (SS-401). He served on active duty 1939 - 1946, achieving the rank of MOMM1(SS).
George’s oar is at rest.
George’s daughter, Susan K. Lynch and her husband Brian, who live in Raleigh, joined us for breakfast with us at the Golden Corral in Cary on Saturday, 9 March 2013 and were presented with our traditional Book of Remembrance and WWII bronze marker. 38 Subvets also attended this breakfast.
The message below, although addressed to your Chaplain, is intended for all North Carolina Subvets:
"Dear Chaplain Bill: We do not have the words to say how much Brian and I appreciate your invitation to breakfast. It is an event Brian and I will always remember.
"The last few months have been very difficult. Meeting you and all the Subvets could not have come at a better time.
"You all are a wonderful group and we are grateful for your service and your friendship.
"Thank you again for the Book of Remembrance and plaque...two very special gifts.
"Most sincerely.
"Susan & Brian Lynch"
Image
Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal - 1944
Name of Award Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal
Devices
none
Year Awarded 1944
Last Updated: May 5, 2013
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
USS Sea Dog (SS-401) First War Patrol: With daylight traffic routed well inshore, she hunted unsuccessfully in the Kikai Jima, Amami O Shima, and Okinoyera Jima areas for the first few days, then searched the likely traffic lanes to Naha and Unten Ko. By 3 October, she had rounded Okinawa to patrol in the approaches to Nakagusuku Wan, and, by 6 October, she was again northwest of Okinawa in the Iheya Jima area.
Sea Dog remained west of Okinawa for another five days but found no targets worthy of a torpedo. On 10 October, however, she took an armed trawler under fire and left it burning.
On 11 October, she headed back into the Amami Gunto. A week later, she moved north into the Tokara Gunto and, on 22 October, while between the islands of Suwanose and Nakano[disambiguation needed], she sighted a convoy making eight to nine knots and zigging every five minutes.
Sea Dog moved ahead of the port column and, at 0726, fired as two cargo ships overlapped in a zig. A minute later, she lost depth control and dropped to 85 feet (26 m). Shortly after 0728, three loud explosions were heard. At 0732, the convoy's escorts began dropping depth charges. At 0745, breaking up noises were heard; and, at 0800, there was a dull, heavy explosion. Converted gun boat Tomitsu Maru and collier Muroto had been sunk. Depth charging continued for another two hours. In total, Japanese escorts and aircraft fired 109 depth charges at the Sea Dog, but LtCdr. Lowrance manages to evade the attack.[5]
Sea Dog continued to patrol in the Tokara Gunto for another two days, then headed back to the Amami Gunto. On 28 October, she contacted and attacked, unsuccessfully, a formation of two battleships and a destroyer; and, on 29 October, she set an eastward course for Midway. On 30 October, she patrolled in the likely traffic lanes to the Bonin Islands, and, on 5 November, she reached Midway.
