World War II Honoree

Freeman Paquet, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Milford, Connecticut

Honored By

U.S. Submarine Veteran

He was killed with the loss of 79 Officers and men on board USS HARDER (SS-257) on 24 August 1944 off the west coast of Luzon at coordinates 15° 50'N, 119° 43'E. Decorations: Navy Cross, Purple Heart. The Navy Cross was presented for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the USS HARDER (SS-257) on the Fourth War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 20 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific Area. On 1 April 1944, during that war patrol, he served as a member of a volunteer rescue team dispatched from the HARDER to an enemy held island to rescue a naval aviator whose plane had been shot down. Although fully aware that unforeseen circumstance might result in the forced abandonment of the entire party, he courageously fought his way through the breakers and a coral reef despite dangerous hostile sniper fire and locating the exhausted aviator, succeeded in bringing him back to Harder. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.