Honoring a family war hero
My uncle was aboard all five of the Tang's patrols. The fifth and final war patrol was on Oct. 25, 1944. He did not return home to his wife, the former Treby Lindsey Staten.
Honoring a family war hero My uncle was aboard all five of the Tang's patrols. The fifth and final war patrol was on Oct. 25, 1944. He did not return home to his wife, the former Treby Lindsey Staten. Check out this story on theadvertiser.com: http://usat.ly/1bSXzni
Guest Columnist; Published 11:03 p.m. CT Nov. 17, 2013
Gunner's Mate 1st Class James Milton White
My uncle, Gunner's Mate 1st Class James Milton White, was one of the 87 men who served aboard the USS Tang, the most successful American submarine of World War II – sinking 33 ships in its five patrols.
It earned two Presidential Unit Citations and four battle stars for its service. The Tang sank on its fifth patrol after sending 13 enemy ships to the bottom. Tragically, as she fired her last torpedo of the patrol, the torpedo broached and made a circular run back toward the sub. The crew attempted to turn the sub, but she moved too slowly and her own torpedo slammed against the port side – immediately sinking the surfaced sub.
James Milton White, a Springhill native, was captain of the gun crew and had steadfastly manned his battle station throughout numerous attacks against enemy shipping, contributing to the Tang's success in avoiding intense enemy countermeasures and completing extremely hazardous missions.
My uncle received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and many other citations for his service. White Hall, a building at Pearl Harbor Submarine Base in Honolulu, is named in his honor. The original building was torn down; another was erected and dedicated in his honor in 1968.
After hearing about the World War II Museum in New Orleans and its memory brick program, I along with the other nieces purchased a brick in his memory. When inquiring about the brick, we learned of the museum's newest interactive exhibit, "Final Mission: The USS Tang Submarine Experience," which had opened in January.
After experiencing the simulator, the family walked out to see a wall with the photographs of all of the men aboard the fifth patrol. After seeing our uncle's photo, we were inspired to gather as many artifacts as we could and donate them to the World War II Museum so our children, grandchildren and future generations would have a tangible memory of his service and life.
Also included were a photo album of him and his Navy comrades during the war, some of his medals and citations, trousers of his dress uniform and numerous archival newspaper clippings regarding the Tang.
Artifacts donated included a telegram informing the family of his death, a letter he wrote to his parents during the Tang's second patrol, his wedding photo, a compass and a photo album from China before the war. Among those providing artifacts, in addition to me: Shirley White Mahoney and Marcia White Kilgore, both of Springhill; Gwen White Mitchell, of Surprise, Ariz.; Edith Cowley, of Texarkana, Ark.; Pam Staten Baker, Mike Staten and Andy Staten.
Delora White Allison lives in Springhill.
Read or Share this story: http://usat.ly/1bSXzni