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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
PT 108
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I am wondering if anyone has information on my uncle, Joe Keefe, who I am told died on the PT 108?
Quentin Keefe
Posted By: Quentin Keefe | Posted on: Mar 1, 2017 - 8:33am
Total Posts: 1 | Joined: Mar 1, 2017 - 8:28am
One of our PT Boat Veterans, Earl, was the cook on PT108. He may read this Forum from time to time and some of our members have ways to get in touch with him. Hopefully Earl will respond to your request.
Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Mar 2, 2017 - 2:44pm
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Joseph Keefe is indeed listed as KIA in AT CLOSE QUARTERS. Page 135 of the book mentions that the 108 boat was involved in a horrific firefight in the Central Solomons in which every man but two were killed or wounded. Whether this was when Joe was killed it does not say.
Will
Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Mar 2, 2017 - 6:29pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm
Quentin:
TM3/c Joseph Francis Keefe USNR , 119 5th Ave. Lowell, Mass, next of Kin Mr( Thomas)and Mrs (Josie) Keefe, Born March 15, 1923 - KIA March 27 1944, Was a member of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 8. PT121.
PT 121(ENS. Richard Seacrest, Skipper)on Patrol with PT 353 RON 25. PT 121 and PT 353 were destroyed by Australian Aircraft,(4 P-40's RAAF 78 Squadron and a Beaufighter from RAAF 30 Squadron) in a Friendly Fire Incident on March 27, 1944, location: Bangula Bay, New Britian,
As a result, Four Officers and Four Enlisted men were killed and Four Officers and Eight Enlisted men were wounded. They were rescued by PT 346(which 32 days later was destroyed in a similar Friendly Fire incident) and PT 354 RON 25.
Take care,
TED
[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Ted%20Walther/PT%20121%20RON%208%20Morobe%201943.jpg[/image]
PT 121 RON 8 moored PT Advance Base Morobe 1943. RON 8 77' ELCO PT (PT 66/68) moored on starboard side. Note blinker cover on searchlight on 121.
Ref: At Close Quarters pg 232-233, www.geni.com, and www.Fold3.com
Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Mar 3, 2017 - 7:29am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am
BRAVO ZULU, Ted
Will
Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Mar 3, 2017 - 2:48pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm
You can just make out the name of the boat written on the charthouse below the Number 121 as "SNAFU" Sort of ironic.
Jerry Gilmartin
PT658 Crewman
Portland OR
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Mar 3, 2017 - 3:45pm
Total Posts: 1473 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm