Savitz, Charles William (Bill)

Date of birth:: March 22nd, 1923 (Tekoa/Washington, United States)
Date of death:: November 25th, 1944
Mentioned on:: United States Memorial for the Missing Honolulu
Service number:: 3935663
Nationality:: American

Biography

"Bill was lost forever to his mother that day in the S. Pacific, his body never having been recovered. She was in denial of his death up to her death in 1956, the same year I was born. My dad and mom felt that his being lost at war wore on her to the point of her early death.at the age of 60. She was one of thousands of mothers who never got past her grief." - Bill Savitz

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Aviation Metalsmith Second Class
Unit:: U.S.S. Liscome Bay (CVE-56), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: November 1944

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Escort Carrier U.S.S. LISCOMBE BAY (CVE-56), in action against the enemy when that vessel was sunk near Makin Island in the Gilbert Islands on 24 November 1943. Severely wounded when the LISCOMBE BAY was struck by a torpedo, Aviation Metalsmith Second Class Savitz refused medical attention. In the face of continuous ammunition explosions and raging fires, he lay on the hangar deck and assisted in pulling trapped men out of the wardroom through a hole in the deck. The conduct of Chief Aviation Metalsmith Second Class Savitz throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 332