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Casualty Info
Home Town Springfield, MA
Last Address 82 Linden St Springfield, MA
Casualty Date Apr 06, 1945
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location Pacific Ocean
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Long Island National Cemetery (VA) - Farmingdale, New York
Wall/Plot Coordinates J 13864
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
On 6 April 1945, USS Morris (DD-417) was patrolling station A-11, a Nakajima B5N "Kate", carrying either a heavy bomb or torpedo, closed in on her. Morris's guns scored hits and set the plane afire, but could not stop it. Shortly after 1815, it crashed into the ship on the portside, between the Nos. 1 and 2 guns. Fires caused by the explosions spread quickly. Two hours were needed to bring them under control with another 30 minutes to extinguish them. Morris then returned to Kerama Retto where temporary repairs somewhat corrected her demolished bow and subsequent draft of 18 feet 3 inches, her large protrusion of plating on the starboard side, and her damaged steering.
COX Labaj was killed in action and originally buried at the ArmyCemetery in Kerama Retto. In 1949, his remains were returned to his family for burial in the US.
Comments/Citation:
Service number: 6667007
The information contained in this profile was compiled from various internet sources.
