USS Spence (DD-512), a Fletcher class destroyer, was laid down on 18 May 1942 by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; launched on 27 October 1942; On 17 December 1944, Spence prepared to refuel and pumped out all of the salt water ballast from her tanks; but rough seas caused the fueling operation to be cancelled. The next day, the weather worsened and the storm turned into a major typhoon. As the ships wallowed in canyon-like troughs of brine, Spence's electrical equipment got wet from great quantities of sea water taken on board. After a 72-degree roll to port, all of the lights went out and the pumps stopped. The rudder jammed; and, after a deep roll to port about 11:00, Spence capsized and sank. Only 24 of her complement survived.
Son of Mary J (Serra) & Anthony David Votta.
Service # 8266276
Rank Yeoman Third Class U.S. Navy
Status Missing In Action
VOTTA, GERARD V Y3C NAVY 08266276 SPENCE; UNITED STATES NAVY 12/18/1944 NON RECOVERABLE Philippine Sea
Source material from multiple public domain websites.
Remembered by Buffalo (50696055)
Son of Mary J (Serra) & Anthony David Votta.
Service # 8266276
Rank Yeoman Third Class U.S. Navy
Status Missing In Action
VOTTA, GERARD V Y3C NAVY 08266276 SPENCE; UNITED STATES NAVY 12/18/1944 NON RECOVERABLE Philippine Sea
Source material from multiple public domain websites.
Remembered by Buffalo (50696055)
USS Spence (DD-512), a Fletcher class destroyer, was laid down on 18 May 1942 by the Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine; launched on 27 October 1942; On 17 December 1944, Spence prepared to refuel and pumped out all of the salt water ballast from her tanks; but rough seas caused the fueling operation to be cancelled. The next day, the weather worsened and the storm turned into a major typhoon. As the ships wallowed in canyon-like troughs of brine, Spence's electrical equipment got wet from great quantities of sea water taken on board. After a 72-degree roll to port, all of the lights went out and the pumps stopped. The rudder jammed; and, after a deep roll to port about 11:00, Spence capsized and sank. Only 24 of her complement survived.
Son of Mary J (Serra) & Anthony David Votta.
Service # 8266276
Rank Yeoman Third Class U.S. Navy
Status Missing In Action
VOTTA, GERARD V Y3C NAVY 08266276 SPENCE; UNITED STATES NAVY 12/18/1944 NON RECOVERABLE Philippine Sea
Source material from multiple public domain websites.
Remembered by Buffalo (50696055)
Son of Mary J (Serra) & Anthony David Votta.
Service # 8266276
Rank Yeoman Third Class U.S. Navy
Status Missing In Action
VOTTA, GERARD V Y3C NAVY 08266276 SPENCE; UNITED STATES NAVY 12/18/1944 NON RECOVERABLE Philippine Sea
Source material from multiple public domain websites.
Remembered by Buffalo (50696055)
Gravesite Details
Entered Service From Maryland
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