USS Spence (DD-512), a Fletcher class destroyer, was laid down on 18 May 1942 by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; launched on 27 October 1942; On 17 December 1944, Spence prepared to refuel and pumped out all of the salt water ballast from her tanks; but rough seas caused the fueling operation to be cancelled. The next day, the weather worsened and the storm turned into a major typhoon. As the ships wallowed in canyon-like troughs of brine, Spence's electrical equipment got wet from great quantities of sea water taken on board. After a 72-degree roll to port, all of the lights went out and the pumps stopped. The rudder jammed; and, after a deep roll to port about 11:00, Spence capsized and sank. Only 24 of her complement survived.
Service # 9608945
Unit United States Naval Reserve
Rank Fireman Second Class U.S. Navy
Entered Service From Minnesota
Date of Death December 18 1944
Status Missing In Action
ALDRICH, Raymond E, F2, 9608945, USNR, from Minnesota, USS Spence, location Philippine Islands, missing, date of loss December 18,
1944.
Source material from multiple public domain websites.
Remembered by Buffalo (50696055)
USS Spence (DD-512), a Fletcher class destroyer, was laid down on 18 May 1942 by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; launched on 27 October 1942; On 17 December 1944, Spence prepared to refuel and pumped out all of the salt water ballast from her tanks; but rough seas caused the fueling operation to be cancelled. The next day, the weather worsened and the storm turned into a major typhoon. As the ships wallowed in canyon-like troughs of brine, Spence's electrical equipment got wet from great quantities of sea water taken on board. After a 72-degree roll to port, all of the lights went out and the pumps stopped. The rudder jammed; and, after a deep roll to port about 11:00, Spence capsized and sank. Only 24 of her complement survived.
Service # 9608945
Unit United States Naval Reserve
Rank Fireman Second Class U.S. Navy
Entered Service From Minnesota
Date of Death December 18 1944
Status Missing In Action
ALDRICH, Raymond E, F2, 9608945, USNR, from Minnesota, USS Spence, location Philippine Islands, missing, date of loss December 18,
1944.
Source material from multiple public domain websites.
Remembered by Buffalo (50696055)
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Minnesota.
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