World War II Honoree

William Michael Zugecic

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Kansas City, Kansas

Honored By

U.S. Submarine Veteran

He was killed with the loss of 89 Officers and men onboard USS TRIGGER (SS-237) most likely on 28 March 1945 In area 32° 16'N to 30° 40'N by 132° 05'E to 127° 50'E. Cause: Probably sunk by air and surface attack. Decorations: Purple Heart. USS TRIGGER Departed Guam on 11 March 1945, under the command of Commander D. R. Connole, headed for the Nansei Shoto area to conduct her twelfth war patrol. She was to provide rescue services for carrier based aircraft, as well as to carry out a normal offensive patrol. After having sent several routine messages en-route to her area, TRIGGER reported her first action on 18 March. She stated that she had made a seven-hour end around on a convoy she had previously reported, and had attacked. She sank one freighter and damaged another. The other two merchantmen of the convoy and four escorts proceeded west. Immediately after receipt of TRIGGER's report of the attack she had made, ComSubPac told her to give as much information as possible concerning the subsequent movements of the convoy. On 20 March TRIGGER reported that the attack she had made on the convoy had taken place at 28° 05'N, 126° 44'E, and that she had been held down for three hours by escorts following the attack. When last seen or heard the convoy was heading for the restricted area, but TRIGGER had been unable to regain contact when she was able to surface. On 24 March, TRIGGER was given further orders. On 25 March she was to move west and patrol between 29°N and 31°N, west of the Nansei Shoto chain, remaining clear of restricted areas and outside the 100 fathom curve. On 26 March TRIGGER was told to proceed at best speed to 31°N, 132'E, to form a coordinated attack group with SEADOG and THREADFIN. This message to TRIGGER required an acknowledgement, but on the same day she sent a weather report which did not contain an acknowledgement, and she never was heard from again.