"THE 5 SULLIVAN BROTHERS"
The Sullivan Brothers...
Albert, Francis, George, Joseph and Madison Sullivan
were born in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1914 and 1920.
George and Francis enlisted in the Navy in 1937.
Their three younger brothers joined the service in early 1942.
All five were assigned to the commissioning crew of USS Juneau (CL-52) in February 1942. They remained with the ship through her Atlantic shakedown operations
and subsequent combat actions in the Guadalcanal Campaign.
All were lost with her on 13 November 1942, a tragedy
that received wide publicity in the United States and resulted in a new Navy
policy discouraging family members from serving together in the same ship.
The following letter was sent to Mrs. Sullivan by President Roosevelt
when he learned that her five sons were listed as missing in action
(later determined: Killed in Action), after the USS Juneau was sunk:
"The knowledge that your
five gallant sons are missing in action, "As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know "Last March, you, Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of "I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Very sincerely yours,
"/s/ Franklin D. Roosevelt"
against the enemy, inspired me to write you this personal message.
I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief.
that the entire nation shares your sorrow.
I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country.
We, who remain to carry on the fight, must maintain the spirit
in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain.
The Navy Department has in- formed me of the expressed desire of your sons;
George Thomas,
Francis Henry,
Joseph Eugene,
Madison Abel,
and Albert Leo,
to serve on the same ship.
I am sure, that we all take pride in the knowledge that they fought side by
side.
As one of your sons wrote, `We will make a team together that can't be beat.'
It is this spirit which in the end must triumph.
the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of your sons.
I am to understand that you are, now, even more determined
to carry on as sponsorer. This evidence of unselfishness and
courage serves as a real inspiration for me, as I am
sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate
and fortitude in the face of tragedy convince me of the
indomitable spirit and will of our people.
Almighty God you will find a comfort and help that only He can bring.
Click this link http://www.buffalonavalpark.org
to see "The U.S.S. Sullivan".. named after the Sullivan brothers.
