Fischer, Harry Frederick, Jr., CAPT

Captain Harry Fischer, Jr., USN (ret), a veteran of three wars passed away on January 12, 2010. He was 93 years old.

Harry was born in Honesdale, PA. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy via fleet-wide competitive examinations after 14 months enlisted service, and graduated with the class of 1940.

His initial assignment was signal officer of the heavy cruiser San Francisco based at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was a junior officer of the watch on December 7th, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

On April 3, 1942, he was married to the former Florence Holland of Eastville, VA. Harry and Flossie, who survives him, were married 67 years.

In October 1942, he attended submarine school and served in submarines for the remainder of World War II. He completed eight submarine war patrols in the USS Thresher and USS Spikefish which he commissioned as executive officer. Harry commanded three San Diego based ships: the submarine USS Ronquil, the destroyer USS Rogers, and the USS Saint Paul, the last Pacific Fleet all-gun heavy cruiser. He also commanded the USS Pollux, a Japan-based supply ship and Submarine Division 71 based in Pearl Harbor. Other duty assignments included the Bureau of Naval Personnel; Staff, Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet; Joint Staff Commander, U.S. forces Japan; Staff, U.S. Naval War College; Commander, Recruit Training Command, San Diego; and Commander, Naval Training Center, San Diego.

Harry was a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College and held an MS degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.

After retirement in July 1970, the Fischers settled in Coronado. His civilian pursuits included several years in real estate where he held a sales and broker's license. He was a "Free-Wheeler," a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society, and for many years he coordinated the schedule of the Coronado drivers. For almost 30 years he was a member of the Coronado Men's Golf Club, a source of warm and happy memories. He attended Christ Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and was an active and faithful parishioner until his death.

Harry Fischer served in the Navy from 15 May 1935 until 1 July 1970.

Submarine war patrols (WWII):
USS Thresher (SS-200) - 6th through 11th
USS Spikefish (SS-404) - 1st and 2nd