Dale A. Swanson

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Navy

Dale A. Swanson entered the Navy on February 9, 1942. Home at entry: Chisholm, Minnesota.

Mr. Swanson served as a Gunner's Mate Third Class and Navy Armed Guard aboard U.S. merchant vessels. When the ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Theater on June 3, 1942, he was thrown into the ocean and knocked unconscious.

When he came to, a comrade who didn't have a life belt was trying to keep Swanson's head above the water. Swanson told him to save himself which he did. He then saw a life raft with two men on it but, because of the waves, it took about one hour before he was taken aboard.

"A Canadian ship evened up the score," he said, "by dropping depth charges which sank the sub." Swanson was severely burned by flaming oil on the surface of the water and hospitalized for treatment in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was then transferred to a hospital in Brooklyn, New York.

He was awarded the following: Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon.

Mr. Swanson was honorably discharged on May 3, 1946.

The letter of commendation from the U.S. Navy Department Citation states: "Your ship had become separated from the convoy at the time of the attack. However, the guns were manned and the crew was on alert. When the torpedo struck, a series of explosions followed and it became necessary to abandon ship. Your devotion to duty and courage during the attack and rescue operations were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service."

Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 316.