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Casualty Info
Home Town Athens, TN
Last Address Boyd, KY
Casualty Date Jun 18, 1945
Cause KIA-Body Not Recovered
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Sea of Japan
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Ashland Cemetery - Ashland, Kentucky
Wall/Plot Coordinates (memorial marker)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
USS Bonefish (SS-223) was on a war patrol in the Sea of Japan with two other submarines. Her last communication was during a rendezvous on June 18th. Captured Japanese records indicate that a Japanese vessel was sunk on June 19th and that during an intense counterattack a submarine was sunk with all hands. It is presumed that this was the Bonefish. Lieutenant Junior Grade Amburgey was officially declared dead 15 July 1946.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 282821
Submarine war patrols: USS Bonefish (SS-223) - 1st through 8th assigned as a Torpedo Officer
Navy Unit Commendation
For outstanding heroism in action during the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth War Patrols in enemy Japanese-controlled areas of the Pacific. Harassed continually and several times bombed by watchful and aggressive enemy aircraft, the USS Bonefish boldly penetrated the most forward combat areas to effect wide coverage of her assigned sectors and strike fiercely at important Japanese surface targets. Consistently ready for combat under the superb handling of her gallant officers and men, she defied heavy escort screens; she developed her contacts with determined aggressiveness and launched gunfire and torpedo attacks despite the severest hostile countermeasures to sink or damage many ships vital to the enemy's continued persecution of the war. In addition to her valiant combat achievements, the Bonefish rendered splendid lifeguard services during air strikes against hostile territory, effecting the rescue of two friendly pilots. Her outstanding record of success under the hazards and difficulties of prolonged patrols reflects the highest credit upon the Bonefish, her courageous, fighting ship's company and the United States Naval Service.
Tom arrived here early in September, 1940, and has been extolling the wonders of Tennessee and Andrew Jackson ever since. After spending some time at West Point he finally decided to enter the Navy via the Academy. He succeeded in pulling through even though he couldn't swim or " Parlez" any too well. Gifted with a natural sense of humor, he was the life of the party wherever he went. Navy wardrooms will always enjoy his presence. Although he spent a lot of time on the sub squad, he still managed to enjoy himself either sleeping in his bunk or arguing for the cause of the South.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.