Years of service 1938–1943 | Battles and wars World War II Name Harold Mack Unit USS Vincennes (CA-44) | |
Rank Gunner’s Mate second class Battles/wars World War II
*Battle of Savo Island Awards Navy Cross (posthumous) Died August 10, 1943, Savo Island, Solomon Islands | ||
Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Navy | ||
Gunner's Mate Second Class Harold John Mack was a posthumous recipient of the Navy Cross.
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Navy career
Mack was born December 29, 1917 in LeMars, Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Navy on May 18, 1938. He reported to USS Vincennes (CA-44) on September 14, 1938 after completing training at Great Lakes, Illinois.
Awarded the Navy Cross
During action against Japanese forces off Savo Island August 9, 1942, Gunner's Mate 2/c Mack was incapacitated by severe wounds in both legs. In spite of his injuries he continued to fulfill his duties as gun captain until ordered to abandon ship. After the loss of the ship, Mack was reported missing in action and was declared dead on August 10, 1943. For his "for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy" Mack was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Namesake
USS Mack (DE-358) was named in his honor. She was launched 11 April 1944 by Consolidated Steel Corp., Shipbuilding Division, Orange, Texas; sponsored by Mrs. Gertrude Mack, mother of Harold John Mack, and commissioned August 16, 1944 with Lt. Cmdr. J. F. Nelson, USNR, in command.