Date of birth:

October 31st, 1916 (Elizabeth City/North Carolina, United States)

Date of death:

June 15th, 2004

Service number:

0-81340

Nationality:

American

Walter Lowry Small, Jr. was born on October 31st, 1916 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Small entered the United States Naval Academy in 1934 and graduated in 1938 as a commissioned ensign. During World War II, Lt. Small served on the submarine USS Flying Fish (SS-229) as Navigator and Executive Officer.

Walter Small Jr. was married to Jane Harris Small (March 20th, 1922 - December 12th, 2007). He also received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (October 12th, 1970) and three times the Legion of Merit (October 14th, 1965, July 6th, 1968 and 1973).

Promotions:
June 2nd, 1938: Ensign;
June 2nd, 1941: Lieutenant (junior grade);
June 15th, 1942: Lieutenant;
March 1st, 1944: Lieutenant Commander;
November 5th, 1945: Commander;
?: Captain;
?: Commodore;
October 8th, 1965: Rear Admiral.

Career:
1934 - 1938: United States Naval Academy;
July 1st, 1939 - 1940: U.S.S. Portland (CA-33);
July 1st, 1940: Instruction Submarine School New London;
November 1st, 1940 - 1941: Communications & Diving Officer U.S.S. R-3 (SS-80);
December 1941 - August 1942: TDC Operator, U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229);
January 1943 - January 1944: Executive Officer, U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229);
May 15th, 1943 - May 26th, 1943: Acting Commanding Officer U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229);
July 1944 - October 1944: Executive Officer, U.S.S. Icefish (SS-367);
December 22nd, 1944 - December 25th, 1944: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Sterlet (SS-392);
March 17th, 1945 - April 6th, 1946: Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Batfish (SS-310).

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

U.S.S. Flying Fish (SS-229), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For extremely gallant and intrepid conduct as an Officer of the U.S.S. FLYING FISH (SS-229), during a successful submarine war patrol in enemy controlled waters during World War II. Disregarding the dangers from repeated aerial bombing and severe depth-charge attacks being launched by the enemy at the time, Lieutenant Small volunteered to enter the after trim tank and direct repairs necessitated by a severe casualty to an after torpedo tube. Later, during the same patrol, acting as Officer-of-the-Deck, he faced heavy machine-gun fire by remaining on the bridge to engage an enemy patrol vessel while the FLYING FISH launched a torpedo attack. His skill and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Commander

Unit:

U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Torpedo Data Computer Operator aboard a United States Submarine during an aggressive and successful patrol against enemy Japanese in the Pacific War Area during World War II. By outstanding skill and fearless devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Small rendered invaluable assistance to the Commanding Officer in conducting a series of vigorous attacks which resulted in the sinking or damaging of an important amount of hostile shipping. His conduct throughout the duration of these actions was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second SSM awarded in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first SSM.

• Photo 1: James DeRossitt
• Photo: Bill Gonyo
  
• - United States Naval Academy
  - Uboat.net
  - Military Times - Hall of Valor
  - Fleet Organisation Website