Edward Adrian Albrecht
PFC Edward A. Albrecht served with the Marine detachment aboard USS Houston (CA-30).
He was reported missing in action at the battle of Sunda Strait, Indonesia, on 1 March 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 293086
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
Based on circumstances of loss, this individual is considered permanently non-recoverable.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
September 8, 1921
in Chicago, IL
Parents
John Andrew Albrecht
Anna (Polak) Albrecht
Education
South Haven High School (1939)
Occupation & Employer
Filler
Everett Piano Company
Service Life
Entered Service
August 27, 1940
at Chicago, IL
Home Of Record
Route 3
South Haven, MI
Next Of Kin
Parents, John & Anna Albrecht
Military Specialty
Ship’s Detachment
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Edward Albrecht joined the USS Houston in the spring of 1941, and served aboard her in the Philippines before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
On the night of 28 February 1942, a small flotilla of Allied ships, including the Houston, was engaged by a superior Japanese fleet in the Java Sea. After a ferocious fight, the Houston went down in the waters of Sunda Strait. Several hundred of her complement escaped the sinking ship and struggled in the water for hours before being picked up and taken prisoner.
PFC Albrecht was not seen after the sinking. His remains were never found, and he was declared dead on 15 December 1945.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered. The Houston wreck is considered his final resting place.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
The Albrechts lived on a rural route outside of South Haven.
Location Of Loss
Approximate location of the USSÂ Houston wreck site.
Eddie was my great Uncle. His sister Jennie Beville was my grandmother.
Hello Michael
I am writing stories about WWII fallen with a National project to recognize every soldier. I am writing for Van Buren County soldiers, your great uncle for one.
I’m looking for a clearer photo of Edward, and possibly more information and details about him, if you knew him. I would be more than happy to share the story when I’m finished with it.
Please let me know.
Dolly Dempsey fmf2012@comcast.net
Research & Author of Stories behind the Stars.