William Francis Whitemore was a Radioman Third Class stationed on the USS S-44 SS-155 when a false radar reading caused the Captain to believe a small enemy target was in range off the Kuril Islands. On surfacing to take it under deck gun fire, it was discovered that the enemy craft was actually a Japanese destroyer. The destroyer fired upon and sunk the USS S-44 in moments. The only ship's crew that survived the attack was 8 survivors, among them, William F. Whitemore, RM3. All eight swam toward shore. Whitemore was one of the two who survived long enough to be picked up by the Japanese Destroyer that sank the USS S-44. The two were brought to Paramushiro, Kuril Island to the Japanese Prisoner of War Camp. They were next moved to a Prisoner of War Interrogation Center at Ofuna Japan that was run by the Japanese Navy. This Interrogation Center was known for is use of torture and intimidation. It also was a secret camp that was never known to exist by allied forces until the war ended.

The final Prisoner of War placement for them was forced labor in the Ashio Cooper Mine in Japan.

William Francis Whitemore retired after thirty years service, which included service during World War II,  the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He is buried at FT Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego.

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret.