MARTS-ALVIN
ALVIN LEE MARTS
F2
USS MARTS DE-174 NAMED IN HIS HONOR
*MARTS, ALVIN LEE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Alvin Lee Marts, Fireman Second Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. NEW ORLEANS (CA-32), in action after the torpedoing of his ship in enemy-controlled waters during the Battle of Tassafaronga on the night of 30 November 1942. Fireman Second Class Marts assisted others in carrying an injured medical officer to the amidships dressing station, although he himself had been severely wounded by a tremendous explosion. When he reached the dressing station he collapsed from utter exhaustion and loss of blood and died shortly afterward. The conduct of Fireman Second Class Marts throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 314 (May 1943)
Born: August 4, 1923 at Wilsonville, Nebraska
Home Town: Delta, Colorado
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret.