World War II Honoree

Alfred A. Bargi

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Detroit, Michigan

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Ensign. He entered the United States Navy at Detroit, Michigan. Served aboard the USS Bismarck Sea, Escort Aircraft Carrier CVE-95 in the Pacific Theater of Operations. On February 16, 1945 the Carrier and her shipmates, along with an armada of U.S. Battleships, Destroyers, Cruisers and other Warships, arrived offshore of Iwo Jima in support of the impending invasion (Battle Dates: February 19-March 26, 1945). Reported missing in action, lost at sea Wednesday, February 21, 1945 when two Imperial Japanese Kamikaze Pilots flew into the carrier. The first aircraft flew into this seagoing airbase on the starboard side, crashing through the hangar deck, striking the ship’s ammunition storage area. The second plane struck the aft elevator shaft, destroying the fire fighting salt water distribution system. The ship’s Captain gave the order to abandon ship, after the second Kamikaze strike, with the loss of three hundred lives. His name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at the Honolulu National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, ‘Punchbowl’ Hawaii. The following decorations were awarded posthumously: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two Gold Stars and the Purple Heart. The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. Air Medal awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.