WATERTENDER FIRST CLASS CHARLES PHILIP MCCARTHY; U.S. NAVY

October 21, 1917 (New Rochelle, NY) – October 27, 1942; 26 years old
Married to Ruth Pfeil (1915-2013). Ruth remarried and lived to be 98 years old.
Last local address: Father Charles lived on Connecticut Avenue
Enlisted September 14, 1936
Service number: 2233366
USS Porter (DD-356)

Born to Charles McCarthy (1893-1972). His mother is unknown. The 1930 census listed 12-year-old Charles McCarthy living with an uncle, John Glasheen, and his wife Margaret McCarthy of New Rochelle.


Norwalk High School, Class of ’35

USS Porter from destroyerhistory.org

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.


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.


Memorialized at the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, 1634 McKinley Road, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines.


END

Published by jeffd1121

USAF retiree. Veteran advocate. Committed to telling the stories of those who died while in the service of the country during wartime.

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