Asa, Marion Lee, LTJG

The USS Seawolf (SS-197) began her last war patrol on 21 September 1944. On 29 September, she reached Manus Island in northern Papua New Guinea and sailed the same day carrying stores and Army personnel to the east coast of Samar. The last contact from her was on 3 October 1944. On 28 December 1944, the Seawolf was announced overdue from patrol and presumed lost. Lieutenant Junior Grade Asa was listed as missing in action and later declared dead on 7 October 1945.

Service number: 223978

Navy Unit Commendation
For outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese shipping during her Seventh War Patrol in the Davac Gulf, Palau and Yap areas, from October 7 to December, 1942; her Tenth War Patrol in the East China Sea from August 14 to September 15, 1943 and her Twelfth War Patrol in the East China Sea December 22, 1943 to January 27, 1944. Persistent and daring, the USS Seawolf penetrated the mouths of enemy-held harbors in bold pursuit of hostile shipping. Striking fiercely in the face of severe depth charges, aerial bombs and gun fire, she launched a series of brilliant attacks which destroyed eleven cargo ships and extensively damaged two freighters. After exhausting all torpedoes, the Seawolf tenaciously pursued and demolished by gun fire one enemy ship and turned another back into the attack range of a friendly submarine. Her outstanding performance in combat attests the skill and superb teamwork of her courageous officers and men and reflect the highest credit upon herself and the United States Naval Service.