World War II Database

1.  David Stubblebine says:
11 Aug 2015 08:05:52 PM

At the time this photo was taken, a rescue party of three volunteers with an inflatable raft was on the reef making their way to the downed airman on the beach beyond. Their rubber raft was tied to the submarine with a long line so that they could be pulled back when ready. As the SOC Seagull seaplane taxied around the bow of the Harder, the airplane cut the line. This required a fourth volunteer to swim ashore with another line and the rescue was effected – all while under small arms fire.

2. Jimmy Thomason says:
13 Jun 2023 11:30:26 AM

I would like to see the names of the brave men who swam to the beach under fire to rescue Ens. Galvin.

3. David Stubblebine says:
16 Jun 2023 10:57:17 AM

Mr. Thomason (above):
The three volunteers (picked from a large group of volunteers) were Lt. Sam Logan, Ship’s Cook 1st-class J.W. Thomason, and Motor Machinist Mate 1st-class Francis X Ryan. The fourth volunteer who brought the replacement line to the beach was Gunners Mate 1st-class Freeman Paquet, Jr. All four received the Navy Cross for their actions in this rescue.