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NAME Albert Anthony Davis |
NICKNAME — |
SERVICE NUMBER 369700 |
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| UNIT Marine Detachment USS Helena |
HOME OF RECORD 2317 Huffman Street Alexandria, LA |
NEXT OF KIN Parents, Mr & Mrs Frank W. Davis |
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| DATE OF BIRTH December 9, 1921 at Bunkie, LA |
ENTERED SERVICE February 10, 1942 at New Orleans, LA |
DATE OF LOSS July 6, 1943 |
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| REGION Solomon Islands |
CAMPAIGN / AREA New Georgia / Kula Gulf |
CASUALTY TYPE Missing In Action Declared Dead July 7, 1945 |
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CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSS In the early morning hours of 6 July 1943, an American naval squadron including Helena engaged a group of Japanese destroyers attempting to land reinforcements on New Georgia. In the ensuing Battle of Kula Gulf, Helena was struck by three torpedoes and suffered fatal damage. When the order to abandon ship was given, Major Bernard Kelly assembled his Marine detachment, accounted for all hands, and led them over the side. Survivors of the Helena spent anywhere from a few hours to several days at sea or stranded in the Solomon Islands before rescue. Although he was known to have escaped the sinking cruiser, PFC Davis was never returned to military control. He was eventually declared dead on 7 July 1945, his ultimate fate unknown. Albert’s brother, Seaman 2nd Class Charles I. Davis, survived the sinking. |
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| INDIVIDUAL DECORATIONS Purple Heart |
LAST KNOWN RANK Private First Class |
STATUS OF REMAINS Presumed lost at sea. |
MEMORIALS Manila American Cemetery |
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Biography:
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