In Their Honor

Honor the Crew

The men who served aboard USS Laffey answered the call to serve, and many gave that last full measure of devotion. We exist to ensure their courage, sacrifice, and service are never forgotten.

The Men Who Served

The USS Laffey was only as strong as the men who sailed her. Through the frozen North Atlantic, the beaches of Normandy, and the skies above Okinawa, her crew faced the worst the war could deliver — and answered with courage that has never been forgotten.

On April 16, 1945, 336 officers and enlisted men were aboard when the kamikazes came. In eighty minutes, thirty-two of their shipmates were killed and more than seventy wounded. Yet not one man abandoned his post. The Laffey survived because her crew refused to let her die.

The USS Laffey Foundation exists to ensure their sacrifice is remembered — not just in history books, but in the hearts of every American who values freedom.

336Crew aboard April 16, 1945

32Killed in action

70+Wounded in action

22Enemy aircraft engaged

Killed in Action — April 16, 1945

In Memoriam

These men gave their lives defending their ship and their country. We honor their names and their sacrifice.

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NameRate

Benson, Henry MarshallElectrician's Mate Third Class

Broussard, Charles ArthurCoxswain

Brown, Edward JohnTorpedoman's Mate Third Class

Burgess, Fred Durell, Jr.Yeoman Third Class

Cloer, Calvin WesleyBoatswain's Mate Second Class

Edwards, BernardCoxswain

Falotico, GeorgeCoxswain

Flint, Chester CarltonCoxswain

Fowler, Conley EugeneFireman First Class

Fravel, James WilliamLieutenant (junior grade)

Hallas, Francis RayFireman First Class

Hazen, LaVerne GeorgeMachinist's Mate Third Class

Heyes, William ErnestSeaman First Class

Irish, Madoc KenyonShipfitter First Class

Johnson, John AlbertMachinist's Mate Third Class

Johnson, Paul ButlerFireman First Class

Kelley, Lawrence FrancisRadioman Third Class

Klindworth, Joseph HildSeaman First Class

LaPointe, James MarcelleCoxswain

Lehtonen, Frank William, Jr.Gunner's Mate First Class

Martin, Ronald GeorgeGunner's Mate Third Class

Mele, Joseph EdwardGunner's Mate Second Class

Morris, William LamarCoxswain

Ondracek, Jack HarrisTorpedoman's Mate Third Class

Peterson, Ralph EpworthElectrician's Mate First Class

Rogowski, JosephCoxswain

Rothgeb, James TrentonFireman First Class

Sheets, Jerome ButlerLieutenant (junior grade)

Thomsen, Robert ClarenceEnsign

Waters, Earl EldridgePharmacist's Mate Third Class

Wismer, StanleyGunner's Mate Second Class

Wright, Rosier Bernard, Jr.Electrician's Mate Third Class

Names and rates verified from authoritative historical records. If you have corrections, additional information, or documentation about any crew member, please contact us — accuracy in honoring these men is our highest obligation.

"They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old."

Crew Stories

The men of the Laffey left behind letters, diaries, and memories that bring her history to life. These are their words.

We were hit again and again. The ship was on fire. But nobody ran. Every man stayed at his station. I never saw anything like it in my life.

Survivor account, April 16, 1945Recounted in post-battle interviews with the crew

The captain kept her moving. As long as she could move, we had a chance. And she kept moving.

Crew member, USS LaffeyDescribing Commander Becton's decision to maintain speed during the attack

I thought about home. I thought about my family. And then I went back to my gun.

Gunner's mate, USS LaffeyPersonal account of the April 16 battle

Share a Laffey Story

Did a family member serve aboard USS Laffey? Do you have letters, photographs, or memories to share? We want to hear from you. Every story adds to the living history of this remarkable ship and her crew.

Honor Their Legacy

The best way to honor the crew of USS Laffey is to ensure their ship — and their story — endures. Your support makes that possible.

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