WW II Casualty
SECTION 2.
Edward C. Moritz
Seaman First Class
14 January, 1924
Sunday, 22 October, 1944: 1735 hours
While attempting to close a water-tight hatch compartment on the port side aft, Seaman Moritz was struck in the head by said door, as it slammed against him. The subject sailor was hit by heavy swell coming over port main deck aft while returning to his compartment. Injured in line of duty, and not misconduct.
Seaman Moritz suffered severe head trauma including a fractured skull, lacerations of the scalp, and minor lacerations about the right ear lobe.
Savage immediately reduced her speed to 12 knots for the purpose of treating the injured man. Reduced speed to 10 knots.
Sunday, 22 October, 1944: 2125 hours
Lt. W. P. Bradburn, USNR (M.C.), transferred to the Savage by boatswain's chair, from the USS Winslow (DD-359). Also, received two oxygen tanks. Night illumination utilized. Resumed patrol on assigned station.
Monday, 23 October, 1944
Shot line aboard USS Finch (DE-328). Received five tanks of oxygen, medical supplies, and two shot lines. Resumed assigned station.
Tuesday, 24 October, 1944 (At Sea)
Shot line aboard USS Richey (DE-385). Completed transfer of two oxygen tanks and two shot lines. USS Winslow (DD-359) alongside to pass medical supplies. Resumed station. Detached from convoy and set course at 280 degrees, speed 20 knots.
Tuesday, 24 October, 1944
Standing into Ambrose Channel [the main shipping channel in and out of the Port of New York and New Jersey] to Brooklyn Navy Yard at full speed.
Wednesday, 25 October, 1944: 0623 hours
Moored at Drydock 3, U. S. Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York.
Wednesday, 25 October, 1944: 0655
Edward C. Moritz transferred to U. S. Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, New York for inpatient care.
Wednesday, 25 October, 1944: 1500
Personal possessions and gear of Edward C. Moritz sent to U. S. Naval Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
Wednesday, 25 October, 1944:
Death of Seaman 1c. Edward C. Moritz occurred shortly after arrival at hospital.
This is the only death suffered by the USS Savage during her long career.
Seaman Moritz's injury and subsequent death occurred "in the line of duty," and he was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.
[Source: Log books of the USS Savage - photocopied by Diane C. Day, at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. Photo of Edward C. Moritz from the archive of Rollins W. Coakley. Photograph of grave marker by Steve McCray.]
SECTION 2. CONTENTS
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Burial: Calvary Cemetery
Kansas City - Jackson County - Missouri
25 October, 1944
