WWII-Vet-Obit-GROSS, Walter "Scrappy"
Source: Veedersburg News __ December 1943
Mr. and Mrs. HJ Gross of Covington received word last week from the Navy Department that their son, Walter "Scrappy" Gross, former Covington basketball star, could be presumed dead since a year has elapsed since he became MIA while participating in amphibious operations in the North African area on November 12, 1942.
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