MACHINISTS MATE FIRST CLASS ALFRED FRANCIS AVERY; U.S. NAVY

DOB/DOD: July 25, 1923 (Norwalk, CT) – October 30, 1944; 21 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Engaged to be married to Miss Frances Pinto (1923-2017) of Norwalk.
LOCAL ADDRESS: Strawberry Hill Avenue, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: July 1, 1942
SERVICE NUMBER: 2073902
SHIP ASSIGNED TO: USS Renshaw (DD-499)
STATUS: Missing In Action (MIA)

FAMILY: Born to William H. (1863-1932) and Ella M. Birdsall Avery (1877-1949). Ella Birdsall Avery was the sister of Cortland V. Birdsall who died of influenza during World War I while stationed in Louisiana. Brothers Arthur D. (1899-1903), Frederick H. (1901-1921), Clifford D. (1907-1984), Homer W. (1909-1975), and LeRoy S. (1913-1940). Two sisters, Mildred May Avery Connolly (1897-1973) and Ruth E. Avery Mills (1906-1975).

CIRCUMSTANCES: The USS Renshaw was a Fletcher-class Destroyer. According to the Report of Changes (below), Alfred was declared “Missing In Action” in the “Line Of Duty” of a non-battle-related incident during the war. October 31, 1944 report from the USS Renshaw indicates Seaman Avery fell overboard.

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From The Norwalk Hour November 4, 1944

Alfred Francis Avery, MM1C, U.S. Navy, son of Mrs. Ella Avery of Strawberry Hill Avenue, is missing in action in the Pacific area, according to a telegram received from the War Department. MM1C Avery entered the service in July 1942, and a month ago, was home on a 12-day leave, after having been in the South Pacific for 21 months. He had been at Bougainville, Saipan, Guam, and many other major Pacific battle points. MM1C Avery has two sisters: Mrs. Mildred Connolly of Strawberry Hill Avenue and Mrs. Alfred Mills of Lockwood Lane; and two brothers: Homer Avery of Chapel Street and Clifford Avery of Connecticut Avenue.

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Memorialized at the Sea Tablets of the Missing, Courts of the Missing, Court 5, Honolulu Memorial, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Memorial marker at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut; Section 11, Plot 1. Photo by webmaster.

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