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Casualty Info
Home Town Taylor, PA
Last Address Taylor, PA
Casualty Date Nov 07, 1944
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 2 (cenotaph)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
The USS Albacore (SS-218) began a patrol on October 24, 1944, and refueled at Midway Island on October 28th. There was no further contact with the boat after that date. Japanese records report a submarine exploding as the result of contact with a mine on November 7, 1944 and the Albacore was presumed lost on December 21st 1944. Electricians Mate Second Class Weisenfluh was officially declared dead on December 13, 1945.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 6515297
Submarine war patrols: USS Albacore (SS-218) - 8th through 11th
Presidential Unit Citation
The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Presidential Unit CItation to the United States Ship Albacore (SS 218) for service as set forth in the following citation:
For extrodianary heroism in action against enemy Japanese shipping and combatant units during her Second War Patrol in the New Guinea Area from November 11 to December 30, 1942; her Third War Patrol in the Admiralty Islands from January 20 to March 11, 1943; her Eigth War Patrol north of the Bismark Archipelago from December 26,1943 to Febuary 22,1944; her Ninth War Patrol west of the Marianas from May 29 to July 16, 1944. By agressive and tenacious area coverage, the USS Albacore made contact on a speeding major enemy task force and, defying numerous destroyers and hostile aircraft which screened the valuable Fleet units on every quarter and the inevitable countermeasures, pressed home her attack. Brilliantly maneuvering between the menacing escorts to reach the center of the powerful enemy group, the Albacore, despite a last minute breakdown of vital fire control equipment, launched her torpedoes and demolished a 29,800 ton aircraft carrier. Skillfully evading severe counterattacks, this gallant fighting ship returned to inflict further crippling blows against the enemy by sinking seven ships, including a light cruiser and two destroyers, for a total of nearly 50,000 tons. The courage and steadfast devotion to duty of the Albacore's valiant officers and men reflected in this outstanding combat record and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For the President
James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy
The information contained in this profile was compiled from various internet sources.
