World War II Honoree

Alfred Aiple, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Allwood, New Jersey

Honored By

U.S. Submarine Veteran

He was killed with the loss of 84 Officers and men onboard USS BULLHEAD (SS-232) on 06 August 1945 in the West end of Lombok Strait 8° 20'S, 115° 42'E. Sunk by air attack. Decorations: Purple Heart. Departing Fremantle for her third war patrol, BULLHEAD under the command of Lieutenant Commander E. R. Holt, Jr. on 31 July 1945, started for her area (from 110° 00'E to 115° 30'E, in the Java Sea). She was to leave her patrol area at dark on 5 September and head for Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. CAPITAINE and PUFFER were also to patrol in the Java Sea area, as were the British submarines TACITURN and THOROUGH. BULLHEAD arrived in area on 6 August, but CAPITAINE did not arrive until 13 August. On 12 August, CAPITAINE ordered BULLHEAD to take position the following day in a scouting line with CAPITAINE and PUFFER. There was no reply and on 15 August, CAPITAINE reported, "Have been unable to contact BULLHEAD by any means since arriving in area". it is presumed that the attack occurred on 6 August 1945, when a Japanese army plane attacked with depth charges in position 8° 20'S, 115° 42'E. BULLHEAD was the last submarine sunk during WWII.