WWII-KIA-GROSS, Walter Richard
GROSS, Walter Richard. Born: 21 October 1922 at 10:00 a.m. in Indianapolis (1346 Blaine Avenue) the second child (Died: 12 November 1942) of Harry John and Alma (Norris) Gross. Buried Covington, Fountain County, Indiana. Seaman. US Naval Reserve - MIA. USS Tasker - Atlantic area. His memorial is on his parents' tombstone in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Covington. Walter also lived in Danville, Illinois (his father was a fireman and machinist in various census records but the last place they lived when Walter went to the service was in Troy Township, Fountain County.
Source: Unknown newspaper
Covington (Dec 1943) – Mr. and Mrs HJ Gross of here have received a letter from the Secretary of Navy Frank Knox confirming the loss of their son, Walter Gross. The letter reads in part: “A year has now elapsed since your son, Walter Richard Gross, seaman second class, USNR was reported missing in action. He was a member of the crew on board the USS Tasker H Bliss when that vessel was torpedoed and sunk by the enemy while participating in amphibious operations in the North African area on Nov 12, 1942. Rescue facilities were aided by a calm sea, life boats and rafts which were put over the side of the ship and nearby American vessels. In view of the immediate and subsequent searches made for personnel following this action and considering the length of time that has elapsed and the fact that there are no known prisoners of war from this ship, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son is deceased. According to law, his death is presumed to have occurred on Nov 13, 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of 12 months. Walter (Scrappy) Gross was born in Indianapolis, Oct 21, 1922 and lost his life in the service of his country on Nov 12, 1942. He was a graduate of the Covington HS with the class of 1942 where he played on the basketball team. He is survived by his parents, a grandfather, EE Gross; three brothers, Sgt James Gross with the Army in Africa; Stanley and Robert at home and two sisters, June and Hazel at home. – kbz
Covington (Dec 1943) – Mr. and Mrs HJ Gross of here have received a letter from the Secretary of Navy Frank Knox confirming the loss of their son, Walter Gross. The letter reads in part: “A year has now elapsed since your son, Walter Richard Gross, seaman second class, USNR was reported missing in action. He was a member of the crew on board the USS Tasker H Bliss when that vessel was torpedoed and sunk by the enemy while participating in amphibious operations in the North African area on Nov 12, 1942. Rescue facilities were aided by a calm sea, life boats and rafts which were put over the side of the ship and nearby American vessels. In view of the immediate and subsequent searches made for personnel following this action and considering the length of time that has elapsed and the fact that there are no known prisoners of war from this ship, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son is deceased. According to law, his death is presumed to have occurred on Nov 13, 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of 12 months. Walter (Scrappy) Gross was born in Indianapolis, Oct 21, 1922 and lost his life in the service of his country on Nov 12, 1942. He was a graduate of the Covington HS with the class of 1942 where he played on the basketball team. He is survived by his parents, a grandfather, EE Gross; three brothers, Sgt James Gross with the Army in Africa; Stanley and Robert at home and two sisters, June and Hazel at home. – kbz