Daily Event for August 9, 2008

August 9, 1944 in an action off the Isle of Jersey boats of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 34 located and attacked several German minesweepers. First located by USS PT-508 and USS PT-509, USS PT-500, USS PT-503 and USS PT-507 were called into the area and they mounted an attack against the Germans. With torpedoes and guns firing the PT-509 became the only casualty when she collided with one of the German ships. The boat became lodged in the German vessel, which had some 100 troops on board who reportedly fired on the PT crew with small arms and even tossed hand grenades at them.

Of the crew of fifteen, there was only one survivor, Radarman 3rd Class John L. Page, who had a broken arm and was hauled aboard the German ship by her crew. He was taken prisoner and and treated in a hospital in France.

The PT-509 burned and reportedly exploded, the only remains were a small portion of her bottom found floating in the channel the next day.
© 2008 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com


Roll of Honor
In memory of those who lost their lives in
USS PT-509
"Their names are forever etched into history as America Patriots"

Name
Rank / Rate
Ausley, William S.
Gunner's Mate 3rd Class USNR
Bricker, Darrel A.
Radarman 3rd Class USNR
Crist, Harry M.
Lieutenant USNR (Captain)
Horsfield, Richard E.
Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class USNR
Kornak, Charles A.
Gunner's Mate 3rd Class USNR
Line, Kenneth R.
Ship's Cook 2nd Class USNR
Lossin, Marvin W.
Motor Machinist's Mate 2nd Class USNR
Mathes Jr., James M.
Lieutenant (jg) USNR
Pavlis, John K.
Lieutenant (jg) USNR
Reynolds, Tony S.
Radioman 2nd Class USNR
Ricci, Alfred A.
Gunner's Mate 3rd Class USNR
Schaffroth, Rudolph W.
Torpedoman 2nd Class USNR
Thale, Edward C.
Quartermaster 2nd Class USNR
Wypick, Walter P.
Gunner's Mate 3rd Class USNR


June 7, 1944: USS Tide AM-125 sinking off Utah beach, Normandy, France. USS PT-509 (left) and
USS Pheasant AM-61 (right) are seen standing by.