Date of birth:

August 4th, 1906 (Lawrence/Massachusetts, United States)

Date of death:

July 7th, 1976 (Newport/Rhode Island, United States)

Service number:

0-62675, U.S. Navy

Nationality:

American

Donald F. Weiss graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1929

As Commanding Officer U.S.S. Tinosa he took part in three war patrols; on January 22nd, 1944 he sunk the KOSHIN MARU and the SEINAN MARU, on May 4th, 1944 the TOYOHI MARU and on July 3rd, 1944 the KAMO MARU and KONZAN MARU.

Promotions:
June 30th, 1937: Lieutenant;
January 1st, 1942: Lieutenant Commander;
October 1st, 1942: Commander;
March 30th, 1945: Captain.

Career:
May 31st, 1939 - March 30th, 1941: Commanding Officer R-10 (SS-87), Submarine Squadron 2;
December 16th, 1943 - September 13th, 1944: Commanding Officer U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-283);
October 4th, 1944 - May 1st, 1945: Commander Submarine Division 141;
October 5th, 1944 - January 7th, 1945: Commander Submarine Division 142;
August 1945: Staff Commander North Pacific.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-283)

Awarded on:

May 23rd, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-283), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 10 January 1944 to 4 March 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. With courage, skill and determination, Commander Weiss aggressively attacked and delivered torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys. Despite enemy gunfire, he tenaciously pursued his targets, launching repeated torpedo attacks until he was forced to use evasive tactics in avoiding serious damage from the enemy counter-measures. By his outstanding aggressive spirit, and exceptional seamanship, he successfully sank three enemy freighters totaling over 16,900 tons and damaged two freighters totaling over 9,000 tons. Despite severe enemy gunfire and depth-charge counter-attacks, he brought his ship to port undamaged. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02048 (May 23, 1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-283)

Awarded on:

July 30th, 1944

• - Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
  - Paul W. Wittmer, life member of: United States Submarine Veterans of World War II and United States Submarine Veterans Inc
  - U-boat net
  - Military Times Hall of Valor
  - Roots Web
  - Fleet Organisation Website