DOB/DOD: October 21, 1917 (New Rochelle, NY) – October 27, 1942; 26 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Ruth Pfeil (1915-2013). Ruth remarried and lived to be 98 years old.
LOCAL ADDRESS: Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: September 14, 1936
SERVICE NUMBER: 2233366
SHIP ASSIGNED TO: USS Porter (DD-356)
FAMILY: Born to Charles (1893-1972) and Theresa Foy McCarthy (1892-?).
CIRCUMSTANCES: The USS Porter was damaged in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942, by the Japanese submarine I-12 off Santa Cruz Island. After the crew had abandoned ship, she was sunk/scuttled by gunfire from the USS Shaw (DD-373). WT1c McCarthy died the next day from wounds received and was buried at sea. There were a total of 15 casualties, including WT1c McCarthy. The other casualties were:
Fireman 1st Class Thomas M. Anderson, Jr.; Spartanburg, South Carolina
Fireman 1st Class John W. Bailey; Bradley, Tennessee
Chief Watertender Robert E. Baner; Louisville, Kentucky
Fireman 1st Class Michael E. Bethner; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Watertender 2nd Class Francis N. Holmes; Columbus, Ohio
Lieutenant Junior Grade Ralph W. Janssen; Glenwood, Illinois
Boilermaker 2nd Class John R. Kostelnik Jr.; Leisenring, Pennsylvania
Fireman 1st Class Marquis E. Lewis; Portland, Oregon
Watertender 2nd Class Arnoe H. Martens; Bay City, Michigan
Fireman 1st Class Glen A. Miller; Oelwein, Illinois
Watertender 1st Class Joseph L. Ritzinger; Long Beach California
Fireman 1st Class Chester N. Schirmer; North Minneapolis, Minnesota
Watertender 2nd Class Vincent W. Sexton; Jasonville, Indiana
Watertender 1st Class Offa L. Wilson; New Castle, Colorado
From The Norwalk Hour November 21, 1942
Charles Philip McCarthy, 26, son of Charles McCarthy of Connecticut Avenue, was reported by the United States Navy Department as having died at sea on October 27. McCarthy has served with the United States Navy for the past seven years and had a rating of Watertender, 1st Class. More than one month ago, his father, who is employed by the Vallerie Trucking Company on Connecticut Avenue, was informed that his son was missing in action. In a telegram from Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs yesterday, the father was informed that his son had died from wounds received in action and had been buried at sea. Seaman First Class McCarthy leaves his widow, now living at Hickam Housing, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii.
Buried at sea. Memorialized at the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, 1634 McKinley Road, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.
END
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