We are seeking information on the USS Albert W. Grant and her crews. Files and photos may be E-mailed to us and we will incorporate them into these pages.

12/10/07:

I have become aquatinted with the family of Virgil David, who served on the USS Grant during WW2, now deceased. His wife Margaret has incredible photos and memories of the time Virgil served on the USS Grant. Attached is a photo she sent me today. I am going to tell his story on my blog, but as I was researching the story, I came upon your website. I have been told by Margaret, that during the battle on Oct. 24, 1944 in the Surigao Strait, when the USS Grant was severely damaged, Virgil David told the Captain that he could get on of the motors running. The story told is that Virgil was temporarily elevated to something just below the Captain, and directed the repair to get the ship motor running. It then was able to sail back to a safe port for repairs.

I would be interested to hear from others who may be able to add more to the story or give us any other details about it.

I am copying his son and his wife Margaret, so they may be able to correspond with you as well.

God Bless,

Cliff Jones

9/2/05:

I served aboard the Grant I went on in Charleston S C got off Vallejo Calif. I was on her at the battle of Surigao Straits would like to hear from other shipmates.

Cecil Albertson
1501 south 20th St Blue
Springs MO
64015

July 8, 2005:

Dear Mark,

My second cousin James Winford Stephenson was a Machinist's Mate 2c on the USS Grant. He was killed in action at the Battle of Surigao Srait on Oct. 25, 1944. I have found him listed on the WWII Memorial registry but not on any other web sight. I have found information about that battle but as of yet no lists of the sailors injured or killed in action on that ship. If you know of a site out there that may have it I would appreciate you letting know.

I have found the reunion web site but he has not been mentioned in any of that information. My fanily has photos but I don't think I got my Dad's after he died. My Dad and Winford were very close prior to him going to the Navy. Dad didn't have to go to service I think because he was working at a defense plant (Republic Aircraft) at that time.

Thanks,

George Carlisle

May 7, 2005:

I regret to notify you of the death of my father, Raymond Henry Brock, at age 79 on April 16, 2005 in Union County, South Carolina. Dad was a proud plankowner and shipmate on DD-649, including service during the engagement in October 1944 at Surigao Straits, where the ship was severely damaged.

Thanks,

Kevin W. Brock
Officer onboard USS Dewey (DDG-45) and USS Semmes (DDG-18)
US Naval Academy '77