Do you know anyone who served on the Sammy B but who has not been in touch with the Sammy B Survivors’ Association? Did you yourself serve? The Survivors’ Association has tried over the last few years to locate all shipmates, but there are still some we’ve been unable to locate. If you have any leads, please e-mail Dick Rohde.
Name and Last Contact: Freddie L. Washington, Stewards Mate First Class Freddie is from a small town in Texas. He was one of the few African Americans serving on the Sammy B (during World War II the Navy was still segregated.) The Survivors’ Association last had contact with Freddie at the reunion in 1982, which Freddie attended.
My Uncle William Pavey was on a ship that sank around that time. Not sure how to find out more information on him.
Thank you for any information you can give me.
My uncle, Joseph Hilla (deceased), talked about being on the Samuel Roberts when it was attacked and sunk.
I’ve looked for his name among the crew, but it’s not there. Is it possible that he was aboard then but his name is not listed?
Brian
My uncle Raymond A Torres served on the Samuel B Roberts as a 21mm Gunner ( AFT). He is still around at age 95, and talks often of his survival.
I would be happy to share other information with any other survivors.
My second cousin John Jacob Newmiller was lost Died 10/25/1944
My father, Ignatius (Pat) Burakowski was a fireman in the engine compartment. Kept engines running. He told me he felt an explosion and found himself in the water. Made it to an island, got malaria and was eventually hospitalized in New Zealand. He stayed in USN 22 yrs, wore gold insignia on his chief’s uniform. Retired in Norfolk, VA in early 1953. Died about 2000. Lost 2 ships to torpedoes BUT, never suffered a scratch, so no Purple Heart.
This story is very much like the one my Mom told me of my Uncle Carl Garner. He was in the Navy, but I do not know the name of the ship he was on. He told of having to abandon his ship and was in water for days. How do I go abt finding the info abt him ?
My Uncle Charles Alexander Ross went down with the Ship and never recovered.
I was on the second Samuel B. rOBERTS dd 823
my dad Joseph d nabors served on the roberts i doubt he stayed in contact with the suvivor association. i was less than one year old when the roberts was sank. i knew he was very proud to have served aboard but would not talk about the experience until i was in my late forties. i would be glad to share memories with anyone associated with samual b roberts.
My mother’s eldest brother SA Kirby Davis served on the USS Roberts and went down the ship in the battle of Samar.