Signalman 3rd Class (368-25-18), the son of Harry and Henrietta Cross, originally from England. He enlisted on 3 February 1941 in San Francisco and transferred to USS Peary on 19 December 1941 from Port Director NTS 16th Naval District. His next of kin was his wife, of 749 Stratford Avenue, Salt Lake City.
∼JOHN WOOD CROSS, often known as Jack Cross, was born in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, UT on 14 Mar 1916 to Harry and Maria Elizabeth Beatrice "Lily" (Wood) Cross who married in Yorkshire, England about May 1908. Jack's only sibling was Harry Wood Cross (1914-1980), a WWII US Army veteran who served in the medical field.
The Crossings.
S.S.Tunisian was moored pierside in Liverpool, England on the morning of 17 May 1913. She was making preparations to get underway embarking her remaining passengers whose destination was Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Harry Cross, 31, was among the passengers. According to records, Harry's port of debarkation was Montreal, but his final destination was Preston, Idaho, USA. Tunisian got underway later that day and set her course westward for Canada. She steamed into the port of Montreal on 26 May 1913 where Harry disembarked. He crossed the international border between Canada and the United States at Buffalo, NY on 28 May 1913 and made his way to Idaho.
Four months later, his wife, Maria Elizabeth "Lily" (Wood) Cross, departed Liverpool on 15 October 1913 on board the S.S. Corsican. She moored in Montreal, Canada on 24 Oct 1913. Maria was accompanied by Harry's younger brother, Joseph Cross, age 22. They too crossed the border at Buffalo, NY on 26 Oct 1913 bound for Preston, ID. Of note, both ships had many passengers who listed Salt Lake City, Logan, and several other cities in Utah and Idaho as their destination in America.
Jack's mother, Lily, died unexpectedly in Salt Lake City on 30 Sep 1919 from Tuberculosis of the bone. Harry Sr., working for the railroad at the time, was left to raise two sons ages 3 and 5 years. Eleven months later however, Harry married Harriet Ann Metcalf, age 46, on 01 Sep 1920 at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City. She had never been married, but assumed the responsibility of raising Harry's two sons. During the 1920s, Harry became a naturalized citizen.
During his high school days, Jack participated in track. His brother, Harry, although two years older, was in the same class in South high school. On Thursday night, 08 Jun 1933, Jack and Harry Cross received their high school diplomas with 645 other graduates at South High School commencement exercises (Salt Lake Tribune, 01 Jun 1933).
Like many of his contemporaries, Jack was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Jack. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment on 4 Jan 33 at the Naval Recruiting Station (NRS), Salt Lake City where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. He obtained his father's consent to enlist on 23 Jan 34. He was accepted for enlistment.
John Wood Cross enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) on Wednesday, 15 Mar 1934, with 29 other Salt Lake District recruits. Cross was one of 14 from the Intermountain area and the remaining 16 were from Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming (The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Mar 1934). All were transferred to the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego to begin 12 weeks of basic training. They arrived in San Diego on 17 Mar 34. Jack enlisted 1 day after his 18th birthday obligated to serve for four years. His monthly pay was $21.00. He was assigned the Navy Service Number (NSN): 368-25-18. His official reason to enlist was recorded on his enlistment form: learn a trade and travel.
Jack excelled in basic training. He received an honor rating for training excellence. He was selected as weekly honor man in his company (The Salt Lake Telegram, 14 May 1934). After he graduated from basic training on 15 Jun 34, AS Cross was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a ship. On 25 Jun 34, AS Cross returned to NTS, San Diego upon the completion of his leave. There he received orders to detach from NTS, San Diego on 06 Jul 34 and report to the battleship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) as a passenger for further transfer (FFT) to the Battleship, USS Arizona (BB-39) for duty.
AS Cross reported for duty on board Arizona on 14 Jul 34. The following day he advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). Some six weeks later, S2c Cross received what must have been surprise orders on 01 Sep 34; he was to report to the staff of the Commander, Battleship Division Two (CBD-2) for duty. This duty required changing ships as the Admiral moved from one flagship to another over time. The following year, S2c Cross advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 01 May 35. On 11 Nov 35, S1c Cross transferred to the Battleship, USS Tennessee (BB-43) with the staff of CBD-2. The following month on 20 Dec 35, Cross was appointed Signalman Third Class (SM3c). In early 36, CBD-2 changed flagships again. This time the staff returned to the Arizona on 29 Feb 36 just in time to prepare for Fleet Problem XVII being held off the west coast of the U.S., Central America, and the Panama Canal Zone during the Spring.
On 20 May 36, during Fleet Problem XVII, the entire participating U.S. Fleet crossed the equator at or near Lat 0 deg, Long 81 deg W near the Galapagos Islands. One of the largest group of polywogs (29,751) ever assembled were initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks. SM3 Cross was one of them. On 05 Apr 37, Cross transferred from the CBD-2 to the ship's company of Arizona. Because of navy budget constraints, Arizona was anchored for 267 days during Fiscal Year 36-37. Just prior to the April 38 beginning of Fleet Problem XIX, SM3 Cross was honorably discharged from the navy at the end of his enlistment on 04 Mar 38. He was recommended for reenlistment and for the Navy Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged in San Pedro, CA., and he returned home to Salt Lake City where he received his Good Conduct Medal on 13 May 38.
Jack returned to civilian life working for the large department store, The Paris Company. On 16 Oct 1940, he registered for the World War II draft. Because part of the world was already at war and Japanese-American relations where strained, Jack probably knew it wouldn't be long before the United States would become involved. So, Jack applied to enlist in the US Naval Communication Reserve (known as the V-3 program) on 28 Jan 41 at his previous rank of SM3c. He passed his physical exam on 30 Jan. He enlisted on 3 Feb 41 for four years and was assigned to unit 1, Sect VII, Naval Communication Reserve (NCR), Naval District 12 (ND12), Salt Lake City, UT
Shortly after he enlisted in the Naval Reserve (USNR), Jack received a civil service appointment to the Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City. Cross was assigned the Hydro-Metallurgical staff at the Salt Lake City station. He worked on the extraction of Manganese and other minerals from their ores for the Defense Program. He also announced that he planned to marry Miss Virginia Lundgren of Salt Lake City.
Not long after he began working for the Bureau of Mines, Cross was notified by ND-12 in San Francisco that he was eligible for reserve call-up to active duty. On 02 Jun 41, Cross, using Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Mines stationary, submitted a request to the Bureau of Navigation for deferment from call to active duty. In it, he writes that he has received a Civil Service appointment with the U.S Bureau of Mines in which position he was assisting in the investigation of manganese ore for defense. He further states, "I have been studying and preparing myself for a job similar to this one since I left the service in 1938. . ." He also points out that his work and the entire department's work is a necessary defense project. He concludes that affidavits of substantiation from his employers will follow soon.
A letter dated 20 Jun 41 from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation and referencing Cross's letter of 02 Jun 41 stated that Cross was considered available for active duty at any time. Two telegrams dated 24 Jun 41 from the Chief Engineer, Metallurgical Division and the Acting Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City requesting Cross deferment from recall to active duty were disapproved by the Bureau of Navigation. Cross was required to carry out orders to active duty.
On 23 Jun 41, SM3c Cross was recalled to active duty and ordered to report to the Receiving Ship (R/S), San Francisco (SF) on 01 July 41 for further transfer to U.S. Naval Reserve Radio & Signal School (NRRSS) at the Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Armory in Los Angeles, CA (Later called the US Naval Training School, Los Angeles (USNTS)). Cross reported to the school on 03 July 41 (per newspaper accounts, Cross was an instructor at the school). While he was in Los Angeles, his fiancee, Miss Virginia Lundgren, traveled from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles where she and John married on 03 Aug 1941.
Per the Commandant of the Eleventh Naval District (Los Angeles area) telephone orders issued on 8 Oct 41, SM3 Cross transferred from NTS Los Angeles to the R/S in SF on 09 Oct 1941 for assignment to the "Communication Pool." Navy Report of Changes from the R/S in SF indicate Cross reported on 09 Oct from the Naval Training School, Los Angeles. At this point the Navy loses track of Cross. According to another Navy Report of Changes by R/S SF on 31 Dec 41, it reports the transfer of John W. Cross from the R/S SF to the Armed Guard Center on Treasure Island on 26 Dec 41, which he did not. He was still in the Philippines. Another entry in Cross's Service Record states that on 30 Dec 41, he reported from the R/S to Section Base, SF (he didn't). Another erroneous entry in Cross's Service Record dated 19 Jan 42 indicated Cross transferred to the Armed Guard Center (Pacific) for duty in the Armed Guard (also not true).
It took several years to untangle the administrative mess caused by incorrect reporting of personnel movements. A letter dated 17 Jun 43 from Captain W. S Tyrrell, former Master of the S.S. President Grant and an obscure entry in Cross's navy service record filled in the whereabouts of Cross and several other sailors between 09 Oct 41 and 04 Dec 41.
On 09 Nov 41, according to Captain Tyrrell, a Communications Group consisting of HARRIS, Henry Campbell, SM2c, 375 64 16, US Navy; MCCRILLIS, Carl Patton, RM3c, 413 49 94, USNR, V-3; CROSS, John Wood, 368 25 18, USNR, V-3, and MACURA, Lindimir Joseph, SM1c, 283 12, 66, USN, reported for temporary duty aboard the S.S. Pres. Grant in San Francisco.
There, Pres. Grant joined a convoy bound for the Philippines via Honolulu and Guam. The ships in the convoy were the escort, Light Cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), Dona Nati, President Grant, John Lykes, Cape Fairweather, and American Leader. The convoy departed SF on 09 Nov 41, arriving Honolulu 15 Nov; departed there on 17 Nov, stopping briefly at Guam then arriving 4 Dec 41 in Manila. Capt., Tyrrell, the Master said, "in reporting to the Manila Port Director, I requested further disposition of these men, as they were no longer needed. Ship scheduled to proceed around the world alone. On the morning of December 5th the Signal Crew reported verbally to the Master that they had received instructions from the CAVITE receiving ship to report there and thereupon removed all their gear and departed, presumably for the CAVITE."
According to the USS Peary (DD-226) Report of Changes form, SM3 John W. Cross, USNR, reported on board Peary for duty on 19 Dec 41 from the Port Director, Naval Training Station (N.T.S.), 16th Naval District (Cavite, Philippines).
(see note at the end of this bio)
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart, Commander, Asiatic Fleet, warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart directed units of the Asiatic Fleet including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational reasons. Peary was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly!
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received in Manila that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly."
Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay!
Despite his best efforts, Admiral Hart was still caught by surprise by the Japanese attacks on 10 Dec 1941. Four of the Destroyer Division Fifty Nine (DesDiv 59) ships remained in the Manila Bay area during the first week of December 1941 for overhaul and repairs (Peary and Pillsbury) and two others (Pope and Ford) to provide anti-submarine patrols and escort services for shipping. Pillsbury and Peary were in the navy yard at Cavite for repairs following a collision during night training exercises in late October. Peary was also experiencing a scheduled yard overhaul.
Peary was pier-side at Cavite's Central wharf on the morning of 10 Dec 1941 in a "cold iron" state. Her engines disassembled, bow open awaiting a patch, she was receiving "hotel" services (water, electricity and steam) from the pier (some reports indicate Peary was at the shipyard for routine maintenance). Many of her crew had moved ashore to continue repairs from base maintenance shops. She was non-operational. Suddenly, about 1300, two flights of more than 50 Japanese twin-engine, land-based, medium bombers appeared over the naval installations and commenced to obliterate everything in sight.
About 1350, Peary sustained a direct hit with an estimated 250 pound bomb which contained a combination of shrapnel and incendiary explosives. The bomb struck her mast spraying shrapnel in every direction killing or wounding almost everyone on the fire-control platform, bridge, and other areas and starting fires. Eight sailors were killed outright and five officers, including the Commanding Officer, Lcdr Keith, were wounded. The executive officer, Lt Albert Eugene Gates, Jr., was found unconscious on the bridge mortally wounded.
Unable to get underway and with little help on board or from ashore, Peary's fate seemed sealed. Suddenly, the small Asiatic Fleet minesweeper, USS Whippoorwill (AM-35), braved the flames, smoke and exploding warheads from a torpedo shop on the pier to render assistance (with help from Pillsbury) to the damaged Peary. After much effort, Whippoorwill was able to tow Peary to a buoy some distance away. She moored alongside Peary and within a brief period began sending over damage control parties, water and food to their beleaguered Peary (Whippoorwill's commanding officer received the Navy Cross for his actions that day.).
After the 10 Dec attack, the Peary's crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were either killed, wounded or missing in action, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands were transferred to Peary to help fill her manning shortages. Petty Officer Cross was one of those replacements sent to Peary on 19 Dec 1941.
On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along his intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed his track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make her seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. SM3 Cross was believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. On 10 April 1942, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son John Wood Cross, Signalman Third Class, US Naval Reserve is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, John W. CROSS, Signalman Third Class, U.S.N.R, is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. PEARY when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Petty Officer Cross was eligible for a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was previously awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
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Petty Officer Cross' family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John Wood CROSS, who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
of America
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Note: RM3 Carl Patton McCrillis was wounded in the attacks on Manila/Cavite on 10 Dec 41 and hospitalized in Manila. He was captured by the Japanese and sent to POW camps in a number of different locations. He was repatriated from the POW Camp Osaka Main Camp Chikko Osaka in Sept 1945. He died in Arizona on 16 July 2007.
SM1C Ladimir Joseph Macura escaped unharmed during the 10 Dec attacks. He was assigned to the USS Peary with SM3 Cross at Cavite on 19 Dec 41. During her escape from the Philippines to Darwin, Australia, Peary's crew were exposed to a virulent form of Malaria/Dengue fever. Petty Officer Macura was hospitalized on 09 Jan 42 on board the destroyer tender, USS Black Hawk (AD-9) in Darwin. Macura remained aboard Black Hawk until his release from medical treatment and return to duty on 27 Feb 42. He was assigned to the destroyer, USS Bulmer (DD-222) for duty. He survived the war attaining the rank of Chief Signalman (SMC). He retired from naval service on 28 Feb 1953. He died on 16 Feb 1991 almost 49 years to the day when he might have died. This is the case of when falling sick is a life saver.
SM2c Henry Campbell Harris was wounded during the 10 Dec 41 attack on Manila/Cavite by the Japanese. He was captured and interned at a POW camp in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija Province, Central Luzon, Philippines. He died on 02 Nov 42 possibly from his wounds received on 10 Dec 41. He was probably declared missing in action about 01 July 1942. According to Veterans Administration records, Harris was presumed dead on 02 July 1943.
SM3 John Wood Cross was killed in action during the sinking of the USS Peary on 19 Feb 42.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42 : Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007.
http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf
7 Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Newspaper articles from the Salt Lake City area.
11) Cross, John Wood, US Navy Service Record obtained from the Nation Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, Missouri.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph.
https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #405 compiled on 17 Jan 2023 and revised on 23 Mar 2023 by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#131835
Find A Grave Memorial #248629683
∼JOHN WOOD CROSS, often known as Jack Cross, was born in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, UT on 14 Mar 1916 to Harry and Maria Elizabeth Beatrice "Lily" (Wood) Cross who married in Yorkshire, England about May 1908. Jack's only sibling was Harry Wood Cross (1914-1980), a WWII US Army veteran who served in the medical field.
The Crossings.
S.S.Tunisian was moored pierside in Liverpool, England on the morning of 17 May 1913. She was making preparations to get underway embarking her remaining passengers whose destination was Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Harry Cross, 31, was among the passengers. According to records, Harry's port of debarkation was Montreal, but his final destination was Preston, Idaho, USA. Tunisian got underway later that day and set her course westward for Canada. She steamed into the port of Montreal on 26 May 1913 where Harry disembarked. He crossed the international border between Canada and the United States at Buffalo, NY on 28 May 1913 and made his way to Idaho.
Four months later, his wife, Maria Elizabeth "Lily" (Wood) Cross, departed Liverpool on 15 October 1913 on board the S.S. Corsican. She moored in Montreal, Canada on 24 Oct 1913. Maria was accompanied by Harry's younger brother, Joseph Cross, age 22. They too crossed the border at Buffalo, NY on 26 Oct 1913 bound for Preston, ID. Of note, both ships had many passengers who listed Salt Lake City, Logan, and several other cities in Utah and Idaho as their destination in America.
Jack's mother, Lily, died unexpectedly in Salt Lake City on 30 Sep 1919 from Tuberculosis of the bone. Harry Sr., working for the railroad at the time, was left to raise two sons ages 3 and 5 years. Eleven months later however, Harry married Harriet Ann Metcalf, age 46, on 01 Sep 1920 at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City. She had never been married, but assumed the responsibility of raising Harry's two sons. During the 1920s, Harry became a naturalized citizen.
During his high school days, Jack participated in track. His brother, Harry, although two years older, was in the same class in South high school. On Thursday night, 08 Jun 1933, Jack and Harry Cross received their high school diplomas with 645 other graduates at South High School commencement exercises (Salt Lake Tribune, 01 Jun 1933).
Like many of his contemporaries, Jack was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Jack. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment on 4 Jan 33 at the Naval Recruiting Station (NRS), Salt Lake City where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. He obtained his father's consent to enlist on 23 Jan 34. He was accepted for enlistment.
John Wood Cross enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) on Wednesday, 15 Mar 1934, with 29 other Salt Lake District recruits. Cross was one of 14 from the Intermountain area and the remaining 16 were from Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming (The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Mar 1934). All were transferred to the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego to begin 12 weeks of basic training. They arrived in San Diego on 17 Mar 34. Jack enlisted 1 day after his 18th birthday obligated to serve for four years. His monthly pay was $21.00. He was assigned the Navy Service Number (NSN): 368-25-18. His official reason to enlist was recorded on his enlistment form: learn a trade and travel.
Jack excelled in basic training. He received an honor rating for training excellence. He was selected as weekly honor man in his company (The Salt Lake Telegram, 14 May 1934). After he graduated from basic training on 15 Jun 34, AS Cross was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a ship. On 25 Jun 34, AS Cross returned to NTS, San Diego upon the completion of his leave. There he received orders to detach from NTS, San Diego on 06 Jul 34 and report to the battleship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) as a passenger for further transfer (FFT) to the Battleship, USS Arizona (BB-39) for duty.
AS Cross reported for duty on board Arizona on 14 Jul 34. The following day he advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). Some six weeks later, S2c Cross received what must have been surprise orders on 01 Sep 34; he was to report to the staff of the Commander, Battleship Division Two (CBD-2) for duty. This duty required changing ships as the Admiral moved from one flagship to another over time. The following year, S2c Cross advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 01 May 35. On 11 Nov 35, S1c Cross transferred to the Battleship, USS Tennessee (BB-43) with the staff of CBD-2. The following month on 20 Dec 35, Cross was appointed Signalman Third Class (SM3c). In early 36, CBD-2 changed flagships again. This time the staff returned to the Arizona on 29 Feb 36 just in time to prepare for Fleet Problem XVII being held off the west coast of the U.S., Central America, and the Panama Canal Zone during the Spring.
On 20 May 36, during Fleet Problem XVII, the entire participating U.S. Fleet crossed the equator at or near Lat 0 deg, Long 81 deg W near the Galapagos Islands. One of the largest group of polywogs (29,751) ever assembled were initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks. SM3 Cross was one of them. On 05 Apr 37, Cross transferred from the CBD-2 to the ship's company of Arizona. Because of navy budget constraints, Arizona was anchored for 267 days during Fiscal Year 36-37. Just prior to the April 38 beginning of Fleet Problem XIX, SM3 Cross was honorably discharged from the navy at the end of his enlistment on 04 Mar 38. He was recommended for reenlistment and for the Navy Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged in San Pedro, CA., and he returned home to Salt Lake City where he received his Good Conduct Medal on 13 May 38.
Jack returned to civilian life working for the large department store, The Paris Company. On 16 Oct 1940, he registered for the World War II draft. Because part of the world was already at war and Japanese-American relations where strained, Jack probably knew it wouldn't be long before the United States would become involved. So, Jack applied to enlist in the US Naval Communication Reserve (known as the V-3 program) on 28 Jan 41 at his previous rank of SM3c. He passed his physical exam on 30 Jan. He enlisted on 3 Feb 41 for four years and was assigned to unit 1, Sect VII, Naval Communication Reserve (NCR), Naval District 12 (ND12), Salt Lake City, UT
Shortly after he enlisted in the Naval Reserve (USNR), Jack received a civil service appointment to the Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City. Cross was assigned the Hydro-Metallurgical staff at the Salt Lake City station. He worked on the extraction of Manganese and other minerals from their ores for the Defense Program. He also announced that he planned to marry Miss Virginia Lundgren of Salt Lake City.
Not long after he began working for the Bureau of Mines, Cross was notified by ND-12 in San Francisco that he was eligible for reserve call-up to active duty. On 02 Jun 41, Cross, using Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Mines stationary, submitted a request to the Bureau of Navigation for deferment from call to active duty. In it, he writes that he has received a Civil Service appointment with the U.S Bureau of Mines in which position he was assisting in the investigation of manganese ore for defense. He further states, "I have been studying and preparing myself for a job similar to this one since I left the service in 1938. . ." He also points out that his work and the entire department's work is a necessary defense project. He concludes that affidavits of substantiation from his employers will follow soon.
A letter dated 20 Jun 41 from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation and referencing Cross's letter of 02 Jun 41 stated that Cross was considered available for active duty at any time. Two telegrams dated 24 Jun 41 from the Chief Engineer, Metallurgical Division and the Acting Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City requesting Cross deferment from recall to active duty were disapproved by the Bureau of Navigation. Cross was required to carry out orders to active duty.
On 23 Jun 41, SM3c Cross was recalled to active duty and ordered to report to the Receiving Ship (R/S), San Francisco (SF) on 01 July 41 for further transfer to U.S. Naval Reserve Radio & Signal School (NRRSS) at the Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Armory in Los Angeles, CA (Later called the US Naval Training School, Los Angeles (USNTS)). Cross reported to the school on 03 July 41 (per newspaper accounts, Cross was an instructor at the school). While he was in Los Angeles, his fiancee, Miss Virginia Lundgren, traveled from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles where she and John married on 03 Aug 1941.
Per the Commandant of the Eleventh Naval District (Los Angeles area) telephone orders issued on 8 Oct 41, SM3 Cross transferred from NTS Los Angeles to the R/S in SF on 09 Oct 1941 for assignment to the "Communication Pool." Navy Report of Changes from the R/S in SF indicate Cross reported on 09 Oct from the Naval Training School, Los Angeles. At this point the Navy loses track of Cross. According to another Navy Report of Changes by R/S SF on 31 Dec 41, it reports the transfer of John W. Cross from the R/S SF to the Armed Guard Center on Treasure Island on 26 Dec 41, which he did not. He was still in the Philippines. Another entry in Cross's Service Record states that on 30 Dec 41, he reported from the R/S to Section Base, SF (he didn't). Another erroneous entry in Cross's Service Record dated 19 Jan 42 indicated Cross transferred to the Armed Guard Center (Pacific) for duty in the Armed Guard (also not true).
It took several years to untangle the administrative mess caused by incorrect reporting of personnel movements. A letter dated 17 Jun 43 from Captain W. S Tyrrell, former Master of the S.S. President Grant and an obscure entry in Cross's navy service record filled in the whereabouts of Cross and several other sailors between 09 Oct 41 and 04 Dec 41.
On 09 Nov 41, according to Captain Tyrrell, a Communications Group consisting of HARRIS, Henry Campbell, SM2c, 375 64 16, US Navy; MCCRILLIS, Carl Patton, RM3c, 413 49 94, USNR, V-3; CROSS, John Wood, 368 25 18, USNR, V-3, and MACURA, Lindimir Joseph, SM1c, 283 12, 66, USN, reported for temporary duty aboard the S.S. Pres. Grant in San Francisco.
There, Pres. Grant joined a convoy bound for the Philippines via Honolulu and Guam. The ships in the convoy were the escort, Light Cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), Dona Nati, President Grant, John Lykes, Cape Fairweather, and American Leader. The convoy departed SF on 09 Nov 41, arriving Honolulu 15 Nov; departed there on 17 Nov, stopping briefly at Guam then arriving 4 Dec 41 in Manila. Capt., Tyrrell, the Master said, "in reporting to the Manila Port Director, I requested further disposition of these men, as they were no longer needed. Ship scheduled to proceed around the world alone. On the morning of December 5th the Signal Crew reported verbally to the Master that they had received instructions from the CAVITE receiving ship to report there and thereupon removed all their gear and departed, presumably for the CAVITE."
According to the USS Peary (DD-226) Report of Changes form, SM3 John W. Cross, USNR, reported on board Peary for duty on 19 Dec 41 from the Port Director, Naval Training Station (N.T.S.), 16th Naval District (Cavite, Philippines).
(see note at the end of this bio)
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart, Commander, Asiatic Fleet, warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart directed units of the Asiatic Fleet including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational reasons. Peary was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly!
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received in Manila that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly."
Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay!
Despite his best efforts, Admiral Hart was still caught by surprise by the Japanese attacks on 10 Dec 1941. Four of the Destroyer Division Fifty Nine (DesDiv 59) ships remained in the Manila Bay area during the first week of December 1941 for overhaul and repairs (Peary and Pillsbury) and two others (Pope and Ford) to provide anti-submarine patrols and escort services for shipping. Pillsbury and Peary were in the navy yard at Cavite for repairs following a collision during night training exercises in late October. Peary was also experiencing a scheduled yard overhaul.
Peary was pier-side at Cavite's Central wharf on the morning of 10 Dec 1941 in a "cold iron" state. Her engines disassembled, bow open awaiting a patch, she was receiving "hotel" services (water, electricity and steam) from the pier (some reports indicate Peary was at the shipyard for routine maintenance). Many of her crew had moved ashore to continue repairs from base maintenance shops. She was non-operational. Suddenly, about 1300, two flights of more than 50 Japanese twin-engine, land-based, medium bombers appeared over the naval installations and commenced to obliterate everything in sight.
About 1350, Peary sustained a direct hit with an estimated 250 pound bomb which contained a combination of shrapnel and incendiary explosives. The bomb struck her mast spraying shrapnel in every direction killing or wounding almost everyone on the fire-control platform, bridge, and other areas and starting fires. Eight sailors were killed outright and five officers, including the Commanding Officer, Lcdr Keith, were wounded. The executive officer, Lt Albert Eugene Gates, Jr., was found unconscious on the bridge mortally wounded.
Unable to get underway and with little help on board or from ashore, Peary's fate seemed sealed. Suddenly, the small Asiatic Fleet minesweeper, USS Whippoorwill (AM-35), braved the flames, smoke and exploding warheads from a torpedo shop on the pier to render assistance (with help from Pillsbury) to the damaged Peary. After much effort, Whippoorwill was able to tow Peary to a buoy some distance away. She moored alongside Peary and within a brief period began sending over damage control parties, water and food to their beleaguered Peary (Whippoorwill's commanding officer received the Navy Cross for his actions that day.).
After the 10 Dec attack, the Peary's crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were either killed, wounded or missing in action, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands were transferred to Peary to help fill her manning shortages. Petty Officer Cross was one of those replacements sent to Peary on 19 Dec 1941.
On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along his intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed his track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make her seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. SM3 Cross was believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. On 10 April 1942, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son John Wood Cross, Signalman Third Class, US Naval Reserve is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, John W. CROSS, Signalman Third Class, U.S.N.R, is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. PEARY when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Petty Officer Cross was eligible for a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was previously awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
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Petty Officer Cross' family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John Wood CROSS, who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
of America
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Note: RM3 Carl Patton McCrillis was wounded in the attacks on Manila/Cavite on 10 Dec 41 and hospitalized in Manila. He was captured by the Japanese and sent to POW camps in a number of different locations. He was repatriated from the POW Camp Osaka Main Camp Chikko Osaka in Sept 1945. He died in Arizona on 16 July 2007.
SM1C Ladimir Joseph Macura escaped unharmed during the 10 Dec attacks. He was assigned to the USS Peary with SM3 Cross at Cavite on 19 Dec 41. During her escape from the Philippines to Darwin, Australia, Peary's crew were exposed to a virulent form of Malaria/Dengue fever. Petty Officer Macura was hospitalized on 09 Jan 42 on board the destroyer tender, USS Black Hawk (AD-9) in Darwin. Macura remained aboard Black Hawk until his release from medical treatment and return to duty on 27 Feb 42. He was assigned to the destroyer, USS Bulmer (DD-222) for duty. He survived the war attaining the rank of Chief Signalman (SMC). He retired from naval service on 28 Feb 1953. He died on 16 Feb 1991 almost 49 years to the day when he might have died. This is the case of when falling sick is a life saver.
SM2c Henry Campbell Harris was wounded during the 10 Dec 41 attack on Manila/Cavite by the Japanese. He was captured and interned at a POW camp in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija Province, Central Luzon, Philippines. He died on 02 Nov 42 possibly from his wounds received on 10 Dec 41. He was probably declared missing in action about 01 July 1942. According to Veterans Administration records, Harris was presumed dead on 02 July 1943.
SM3 John Wood Cross was killed in action during the sinking of the USS Peary on 19 Feb 42.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42 : Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007.
http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf
7 Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Newspaper articles from the Salt Lake City area.
11) Cross, John Wood, US Navy Service Record obtained from the Nation Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, Missouri.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph.
https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #405 compiled on 17 Jan 2023 and revised on 23 Mar 2023 by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#131835
Find A Grave Memorial #248629683
Signalman 3rd Class (368-25-18), the son of Harry and Henrietta Cross, originally from England. He enlisted on 3 February 1941 in San Francisco and transferred to USS Peary on 19 December 1941 from Port Director NTS 16th Naval District. His next of kin was his wife, of 749 Stratford Avenue, Salt Lake City.
∼JOHN WOOD CROSS, often known as Jack Cross, was born in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, UT on 14 Mar 1916 to Harry and Maria Elizabeth Beatrice "Lily" (Wood) Cross who married in Yorkshire, England about May 1908. Jack's only sibling was Harry Wood Cross (1914-1980), a WWII US Army veteran who served in the medical field.
The Crossings.
S.S.Tunisian was moored pierside in Liverpool, England on the morning of 17 May 1913. She was making preparations to get underway embarking her remaining passengers whose destination was Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Harry Cross, 31, was among the passengers. According to records, Harry's port of debarkation was Montreal, but his final destination was Preston, Idaho, USA. Tunisian got underway later that day and set her course westward for Canada. She steamed into the port of Montreal on 26 May 1913 where Harry disembarked. He crossed the international border between Canada and the United States at Buffalo, NY on 28 May 1913 and made his way to Idaho.
Four months later, his wife, Maria Elizabeth "Lily" (Wood) Cross, departed Liverpool on 15 October 1913 on board the S.S. Corsican. She moored in Montreal, Canada on 24 Oct 1913. Maria was accompanied by Harry's younger brother, Joseph Cross, age 22. They too crossed the border at Buffalo, NY on 26 Oct 1913 bound for Preston, ID. Of note, both ships had many passengers who listed Salt Lake City, Logan, and several other cities in Utah and Idaho as their destination in America.
Jack's mother, Lily, died unexpectedly in Salt Lake City on 30 Sep 1919 from Tuberculosis of the bone. Harry Sr., working for the railroad at the time, was left to raise two sons ages 3 and 5 years. Eleven months later however, Harry married Harriet Ann Metcalf, age 46, on 01 Sep 1920 at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City. She had never been married, but assumed the responsibility of raising Harry's two sons. During the 1920s, Harry became a naturalized citizen.
During his high school days, Jack participated in track. His brother, Harry, although two years older, was in the same class in South high school. On Thursday night, 08 Jun 1933, Jack and Harry Cross received their high school diplomas with 645 other graduates at South High School commencement exercises (Salt Lake Tribune, 01 Jun 1933).
Like many of his contemporaries, Jack was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Jack. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment on 4 Jan 33 at the Naval Recruiting Station (NRS), Salt Lake City where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. He obtained his father's consent to enlist on 23 Jan 34. He was accepted for enlistment.
John Wood Cross enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) on Wednesday, 15 Mar 1934, with 29 other Salt Lake District recruits. Cross was one of 14 from the Intermountain area and the remaining 16 were from Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming (The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Mar 1934). All were transferred to the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego to begin 12 weeks of basic training. They arrived in San Diego on 17 Mar 34. Jack enlisted 1 day after his 18th birthday obligated to serve for four years. His monthly pay was $21.00. He was assigned the Navy Service Number (NSN): 368-25-18. His official reason to enlist was recorded on his enlistment form: learn a trade and travel.
Jack excelled in basic training. He received an honor rating for training excellence. He was selected as weekly honor man in his company (The Salt Lake Telegram, 14 May 1934). After he graduated from basic training on 15 Jun 34, AS Cross was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a ship. On 25 Jun 34, AS Cross returned to NTS, San Diego upon the completion of his leave. There he received orders to detach from NTS, San Diego on 06 Jul 34 and report to the battleship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) as a passenger for further transfer (FFT) to the Battleship, USS Arizona (BB-39) for duty.
AS Cross reported for duty on board Arizona on 14 Jul 34. The following day he advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). Some six weeks later, S2c Cross received what must have been surprise orders on 01 Sep 34; he was to report to the staff of the Commander, Battleship Division Two (CBD-2) for duty. This duty required changing ships as the Admiral moved from one flagship to another over time. The following year, S2c Cross advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 01 May 35. On 11 Nov 35, S1c Cross transferred to the Battleship, USS Tennessee (BB-43) with the staff of CBD-2. The following month on 20 Dec 35, Cross was appointed Signalman Third Class (SM3c). In early 36, CBD-2 changed flagships again. This time the staff returned to the Arizona on 29 Feb 36 just in time to prepare for Fleet Problem XVII being held off the west coast of the U.S., Central America, and the Panama Canal Zone during the Spring.
On 20 May 36, during Fleet Problem XVII, the entire participating U.S. Fleet crossed the equator at or near Lat 0 deg, Long 81 deg W near the Galapagos Islands. One of the largest group of polywogs (29,751) ever assembled were initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks. SM3 Cross was one of them. On 05 Apr 37, Cross transferred from the CBD-2 to the ship's company of Arizona. Because of navy budget constraints, Arizona was anchored for 267 days during Fiscal Year 36-37. Just prior to the April 38 beginning of Fleet Problem XIX, SM3 Cross was honorably discharged from the navy at the end of his enlistment on 04 Mar 38. He was recommended for reenlistment and for the Navy Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged in San Pedro, CA., and he returned home to Salt Lake City where he received his Good Conduct Medal on 13 May 38.
Jack returned to civilian life working for the large department store, The Paris Company. On 16 Oct 1940, he registered for the World War II draft. Because part of the world was already at war and Japanese-American relations where strained, Jack probably knew it wouldn't be long before the United States would become involved. So, Jack applied to enlist in the US Naval Communication Reserve (known as the V-3 program) on 28 Jan 41 at his previous rank of SM3c. He passed his physical exam on 30 Jan. He enlisted on 3 Feb 41 for four years and was assigned to unit 1, Sect VII, Naval Communication Reserve (NCR), Naval District 12 (ND12), Salt Lake City, UT
Shortly after he enlisted in the Naval Reserve (USNR), Jack received a civil service appointment to the Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City. Cross was assigned the Hydro-Metallurgical staff at the Salt Lake City station. He worked on the extraction of Manganese and other minerals from their ores for the Defense Program. He also announced that he planned to marry Miss Virginia Lundgren of Salt Lake City.
Not long after he began working for the Bureau of Mines, Cross was notified by ND-12 in San Francisco that he was eligible for reserve call-up to active duty. On 02 Jun 41, Cross, using Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Mines stationary, submitted a request to the Bureau of Navigation for deferment from call to active duty. In it, he writes that he has received a Civil Service appointment with the U.S Bureau of Mines in which position he was assisting in the investigation of manganese ore for defense. He further states, "I have been studying and preparing myself for a job similar to this one since I left the service in 1938. . ." He also points out that his work and the entire department's work is a necessary defense project. He concludes that affidavits of substantiation from his employers will follow soon.
A letter dated 20 Jun 41 from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation and referencing Cross's letter of 02 Jun 41 stated that Cross was considered available for active duty at any time. Two telegrams dated 24 Jun 41 from the Chief Engineer, Metallurgical Division and the Acting Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City requesting Cross deferment from recall to active duty were disapproved by the Bureau of Navigation. Cross was required to carry out orders to active duty.
On 23 Jun 41, SM3c Cross was recalled to active duty and ordered to report to the Receiving Ship (R/S), San Francisco (SF) on 01 July 41 for further transfer to U.S. Naval Reserve Radio & Signal School (NRRSS) at the Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Armory in Los Angeles, CA (Later called the US Naval Training School, Los Angeles (USNTS)). Cross reported to the school on 03 July 41 (per newspaper accounts, Cross was an instructor at the school). While he was in Los Angeles, his fiancee, Miss Virginia Lundgren, traveled from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles where she and John married on 03 Aug 1941.
Per the Commandant of the Eleventh Naval District (Los Angeles area) telephone orders issued on 8 Oct 41, SM3 Cross transferred from NTS Los Angeles to the R/S in SF on 09 Oct 1941 for assignment to the "Communication Pool." Navy Report of Changes from the R/S in SF indicate Cross reported on 09 Oct from the Naval Training School, Los Angeles. At this point the Navy loses track of Cross. According to another Navy Report of Changes by R/S SF on 31 Dec 41, it reports the transfer of John W. Cross from the R/S SF to the Armed Guard Center on Treasure Island on 26 Dec 41, which he did not. He was still in the Philippines. Another entry in Cross's Service Record states that on 30 Dec 41, he reported from the R/S to Section Base, SF (he didn't). Another erroneous entry in Cross's Service Record dated 19 Jan 42 indicated Cross transferred to the Armed Guard Center (Pacific) for duty in the Armed Guard (also not true).
It took several years to untangle the administrative mess caused by incorrect reporting of personnel movements. A letter dated 17 Jun 43 from Captain W. S Tyrrell, former Master of the S.S. President Grant and an obscure entry in Cross's navy service record filled in the whereabouts of Cross and several other sailors between 09 Oct 41 and 04 Dec 41.
On 09 Nov 41, according to Captain Tyrrell, a Communications Group consisting of HARRIS, Henry Campbell, SM2c, 375 64 16, US Navy; MCCRILLIS, Carl Patton, RM3c, 413 49 94, USNR, V-3; CROSS, John Wood, 368 25 18, USNR, V-3, and MACURA, Lindimir Joseph, SM1c, 283 12, 66, USN, reported for temporary duty aboard the S.S. Pres. Grant in San Francisco.
There, Pres. Grant joined a convoy bound for the Philippines via Honolulu and Guam. The ships in the convoy were the escort, Light Cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), Dona Nati, President Grant, John Lykes, Cape Fairweather, and American Leader. The convoy departed SF on 09 Nov 41, arriving Honolulu 15 Nov; departed there on 17 Nov, stopping briefly at Guam then arriving 4 Dec 41 in Manila. Capt., Tyrrell, the Master said, "in reporting to the Manila Port Director, I requested further disposition of these men, as they were no longer needed. Ship scheduled to proceed around the world alone. On the morning of December 5th the Signal Crew reported verbally to the Master that they had received instructions from the CAVITE receiving ship to report there and thereupon removed all their gear and departed, presumably for the CAVITE."
According to the USS Peary (DD-226) Report of Changes form, SM3 John W. Cross, USNR, reported on board Peary for duty on 19 Dec 41 from the Port Director, Naval Training Station (N.T.S.), 16th Naval District (Cavite, Philippines).
(see note at the end of this bio)
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart, Commander, Asiatic Fleet, warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart directed units of the Asiatic Fleet including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational reasons. Peary was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly!
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received in Manila that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly."
Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay!
Despite his best efforts, Admiral Hart was still caught by surprise by the Japanese attacks on 10 Dec 1941. Four of the Destroyer Division Fifty Nine (DesDiv 59) ships remained in the Manila Bay area during the first week of December 1941 for overhaul and repairs (Peary and Pillsbury) and two others (Pope and Ford) to provide anti-submarine patrols and escort services for shipping. Pillsbury and Peary were in the navy yard at Cavite for repairs following a collision during night training exercises in late October. Peary was also experiencing a scheduled yard overhaul.
Peary was pier-side at Cavite's Central wharf on the morning of 10 Dec 1941 in a "cold iron" state. Her engines disassembled, bow open awaiting a patch, she was receiving "hotel" services (water, electricity and steam) from the pier (some reports indicate Peary was at the shipyard for routine maintenance). Many of her crew had moved ashore to continue repairs from base maintenance shops. She was non-operational. Suddenly, about 1300, two flights of more than 50 Japanese twin-engine, land-based, medium bombers appeared over the naval installations and commenced to obliterate everything in sight.
About 1350, Peary sustained a direct hit with an estimated 250 pound bomb which contained a combination of shrapnel and incendiary explosives. The bomb struck her mast spraying shrapnel in every direction killing or wounding almost everyone on the fire-control platform, bridge, and other areas and starting fires. Eight sailors were killed outright and five officers, including the Commanding Officer, Lcdr Keith, were wounded. The executive officer, Lt Albert Eugene Gates, Jr., was found unconscious on the bridge mortally wounded.
Unable to get underway and with little help on board or from ashore, Peary's fate seemed sealed. Suddenly, the small Asiatic Fleet minesweeper, USS Whippoorwill (AM-35), braved the flames, smoke and exploding warheads from a torpedo shop on the pier to render assistance (with help from Pillsbury) to the damaged Peary. After much effort, Whippoorwill was able to tow Peary to a buoy some distance away. She moored alongside Peary and within a brief period began sending over damage control parties, water and food to their beleaguered Peary (Whippoorwill's commanding officer received the Navy Cross for his actions that day.).
After the 10 Dec attack, the Peary's crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were either killed, wounded or missing in action, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands were transferred to Peary to help fill her manning shortages. Petty Officer Cross was one of those replacements sent to Peary on 19 Dec 1941.
On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along his intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed his track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make her seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. SM3 Cross was believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. On 10 April 1942, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son John Wood Cross, Signalman Third Class, US Naval Reserve is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, John W. CROSS, Signalman Third Class, U.S.N.R, is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. PEARY when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Petty Officer Cross was eligible for a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was previously awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
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Petty Officer Cross' family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John Wood CROSS, who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
of America
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Note: RM3 Carl Patton McCrillis was wounded in the attacks on Manila/Cavite on 10 Dec 41 and hospitalized in Manila. He was captured by the Japanese and sent to POW camps in a number of different locations. He was repatriated from the POW Camp Osaka Main Camp Chikko Osaka in Sept 1945. He died in Arizona on 16 July 2007.
SM1C Ladimir Joseph Macura escaped unharmed during the 10 Dec attacks. He was assigned to the USS Peary with SM3 Cross at Cavite on 19 Dec 41. During her escape from the Philippines to Darwin, Australia, Peary's crew were exposed to a virulent form of Malaria/Dengue fever. Petty Officer Macura was hospitalized on 09 Jan 42 on board the destroyer tender, USS Black Hawk (AD-9) in Darwin. Macura remained aboard Black Hawk until his release from medical treatment and return to duty on 27 Feb 42. He was assigned to the destroyer, USS Bulmer (DD-222) for duty. He survived the war attaining the rank of Chief Signalman (SMC). He retired from naval service on 28 Feb 1953. He died on 16 Feb 1991 almost 49 years to the day when he might have died. This is the case of when falling sick is a life saver.
SM2c Henry Campbell Harris was wounded during the 10 Dec 41 attack on Manila/Cavite by the Japanese. He was captured and interned at a POW camp in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija Province, Central Luzon, Philippines. He died on 02 Nov 42 possibly from his wounds received on 10 Dec 41. He was probably declared missing in action about 01 July 1942. According to Veterans Administration records, Harris was presumed dead on 02 July 1943.
SM3 John Wood Cross was killed in action during the sinking of the USS Peary on 19 Feb 42.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
------------------------------
Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42 : Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007.
http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf
7 Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Newspaper articles from the Salt Lake City area.
11) Cross, John Wood, US Navy Service Record obtained from the Nation Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, Missouri.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph.
https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #405 compiled on 17 Jan 2023 and revised on 23 Mar 2023 by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#131835
Find A Grave Memorial #248629683
∼JOHN WOOD CROSS, often known as Jack Cross, was born in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, UT on 14 Mar 1916 to Harry and Maria Elizabeth Beatrice "Lily" (Wood) Cross who married in Yorkshire, England about May 1908. Jack's only sibling was Harry Wood Cross (1914-1980), a WWII US Army veteran who served in the medical field.
The Crossings.
S.S.Tunisian was moored pierside in Liverpool, England on the morning of 17 May 1913. She was making preparations to get underway embarking her remaining passengers whose destination was Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Harry Cross, 31, was among the passengers. According to records, Harry's port of debarkation was Montreal, but his final destination was Preston, Idaho, USA. Tunisian got underway later that day and set her course westward for Canada. She steamed into the port of Montreal on 26 May 1913 where Harry disembarked. He crossed the international border between Canada and the United States at Buffalo, NY on 28 May 1913 and made his way to Idaho.
Four months later, his wife, Maria Elizabeth "Lily" (Wood) Cross, departed Liverpool on 15 October 1913 on board the S.S. Corsican. She moored in Montreal, Canada on 24 Oct 1913. Maria was accompanied by Harry's younger brother, Joseph Cross, age 22. They too crossed the border at Buffalo, NY on 26 Oct 1913 bound for Preston, ID. Of note, both ships had many passengers who listed Salt Lake City, Logan, and several other cities in Utah and Idaho as their destination in America.
Jack's mother, Lily, died unexpectedly in Salt Lake City on 30 Sep 1919 from Tuberculosis of the bone. Harry Sr., working for the railroad at the time, was left to raise two sons ages 3 and 5 years. Eleven months later however, Harry married Harriet Ann Metcalf, age 46, on 01 Sep 1920 at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City. She had never been married, but assumed the responsibility of raising Harry's two sons. During the 1920s, Harry became a naturalized citizen.
During his high school days, Jack participated in track. His brother, Harry, although two years older, was in the same class in South high school. On Thursday night, 08 Jun 1933, Jack and Harry Cross received their high school diplomas with 645 other graduates at South High School commencement exercises (Salt Lake Tribune, 01 Jun 1933).
Like many of his contemporaries, Jack was soon lured to the opportunities available in the US military services. A steady income to help the family with expenses, adventure and the chance to learn a trade and just plain patriotism pulled strongly on many youth of the day including Jack. He submitted a US Navy application for enlistment on 4 Jan 33 at the Naval Recruiting Station (NRS), Salt Lake City where he completed preliminary entrance examinations, submitted personal references, completed administrative paperwork and passed background checks. He obtained his father's consent to enlist on 23 Jan 34. He was accepted for enlistment.
John Wood Cross enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (AS) on Wednesday, 15 Mar 1934, with 29 other Salt Lake District recruits. Cross was one of 14 from the Intermountain area and the remaining 16 were from Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming (The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Mar 1934). All were transferred to the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego to begin 12 weeks of basic training. They arrived in San Diego on 17 Mar 34. Jack enlisted 1 day after his 18th birthday obligated to serve for four years. His monthly pay was $21.00. He was assigned the Navy Service Number (NSN): 368-25-18. His official reason to enlist was recorded on his enlistment form: learn a trade and travel.
Jack excelled in basic training. He received an honor rating for training excellence. He was selected as weekly honor man in his company (The Salt Lake Telegram, 14 May 1934). After he graduated from basic training on 15 Jun 34, AS Cross was granted 10 days of leave to visit family and friends before being assigned to a ship. On 25 Jun 34, AS Cross returned to NTS, San Diego upon the completion of his leave. There he received orders to detach from NTS, San Diego on 06 Jul 34 and report to the battleship, USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) as a passenger for further transfer (FFT) to the Battleship, USS Arizona (BB-39) for duty.
AS Cross reported for duty on board Arizona on 14 Jul 34. The following day he advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c). Some six weeks later, S2c Cross received what must have been surprise orders on 01 Sep 34; he was to report to the staff of the Commander, Battleship Division Two (CBD-2) for duty. This duty required changing ships as the Admiral moved from one flagship to another over time. The following year, S2c Cross advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 01 May 35. On 11 Nov 35, S1c Cross transferred to the Battleship, USS Tennessee (BB-43) with the staff of CBD-2. The following month on 20 Dec 35, Cross was appointed Signalman Third Class (SM3c). In early 36, CBD-2 changed flagships again. This time the staff returned to the Arizona on 29 Feb 36 just in time to prepare for Fleet Problem XVII being held off the west coast of the U.S., Central America, and the Panama Canal Zone during the Spring.
On 20 May 36, during Fleet Problem XVII, the entire participating U.S. Fleet crossed the equator at or near Lat 0 deg, Long 81 deg W near the Galapagos Islands. One of the largest group of polywogs (29,751) ever assembled were initiated into the Royal Order of Shellbacks. SM3 Cross was one of them. On 05 Apr 37, Cross transferred from the CBD-2 to the ship's company of Arizona. Because of navy budget constraints, Arizona was anchored for 267 days during Fiscal Year 36-37. Just prior to the April 38 beginning of Fleet Problem XIX, SM3 Cross was honorably discharged from the navy at the end of his enlistment on 04 Mar 38. He was recommended for reenlistment and for the Navy Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged in San Pedro, CA., and he returned home to Salt Lake City where he received his Good Conduct Medal on 13 May 38.
Jack returned to civilian life working for the large department store, The Paris Company. On 16 Oct 1940, he registered for the World War II draft. Because part of the world was already at war and Japanese-American relations where strained, Jack probably knew it wouldn't be long before the United States would become involved. So, Jack applied to enlist in the US Naval Communication Reserve (known as the V-3 program) on 28 Jan 41 at his previous rank of SM3c. He passed his physical exam on 30 Jan. He enlisted on 3 Feb 41 for four years and was assigned to unit 1, Sect VII, Naval Communication Reserve (NCR), Naval District 12 (ND12), Salt Lake City, UT
Shortly after he enlisted in the Naval Reserve (USNR), Jack received a civil service appointment to the Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City. Cross was assigned the Hydro-Metallurgical staff at the Salt Lake City station. He worked on the extraction of Manganese and other minerals from their ores for the Defense Program. He also announced that he planned to marry Miss Virginia Lundgren of Salt Lake City.
Not long after he began working for the Bureau of Mines, Cross was notified by ND-12 in San Francisco that he was eligible for reserve call-up to active duty. On 02 Jun 41, Cross, using Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Mines stationary, submitted a request to the Bureau of Navigation for deferment from call to active duty. In it, he writes that he has received a Civil Service appointment with the U.S Bureau of Mines in which position he was assisting in the investigation of manganese ore for defense. He further states, "I have been studying and preparing myself for a job similar to this one since I left the service in 1938. . ." He also points out that his work and the entire department's work is a necessary defense project. He concludes that affidavits of substantiation from his employers will follow soon.
A letter dated 20 Jun 41 from the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation and referencing Cross's letter of 02 Jun 41 stated that Cross was considered available for active duty at any time. Two telegrams dated 24 Jun 41 from the Chief Engineer, Metallurgical Division and the Acting Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City requesting Cross deferment from recall to active duty were disapproved by the Bureau of Navigation. Cross was required to carry out orders to active duty.
On 23 Jun 41, SM3c Cross was recalled to active duty and ordered to report to the Receiving Ship (R/S), San Francisco (SF) on 01 July 41 for further transfer to U.S. Naval Reserve Radio & Signal School (NRRSS) at the Naval & Marine Corps Reserve Armory in Los Angeles, CA (Later called the US Naval Training School, Los Angeles (USNTS)). Cross reported to the school on 03 July 41 (per newspaper accounts, Cross was an instructor at the school). While he was in Los Angeles, his fiancee, Miss Virginia Lundgren, traveled from Salt Lake City, UT to Los Angeles where she and John married on 03 Aug 1941.
Per the Commandant of the Eleventh Naval District (Los Angeles area) telephone orders issued on 8 Oct 41, SM3 Cross transferred from NTS Los Angeles to the R/S in SF on 09 Oct 1941 for assignment to the "Communication Pool." Navy Report of Changes from the R/S in SF indicate Cross reported on 09 Oct from the Naval Training School, Los Angeles. At this point the Navy loses track of Cross. According to another Navy Report of Changes by R/S SF on 31 Dec 41, it reports the transfer of John W. Cross from the R/S SF to the Armed Guard Center on Treasure Island on 26 Dec 41, which he did not. He was still in the Philippines. Another entry in Cross's Service Record states that on 30 Dec 41, he reported from the R/S to Section Base, SF (he didn't). Another erroneous entry in Cross's Service Record dated 19 Jan 42 indicated Cross transferred to the Armed Guard Center (Pacific) for duty in the Armed Guard (also not true).
It took several years to untangle the administrative mess caused by incorrect reporting of personnel movements. A letter dated 17 Jun 43 from Captain W. S Tyrrell, former Master of the S.S. President Grant and an obscure entry in Cross's navy service record filled in the whereabouts of Cross and several other sailors between 09 Oct 41 and 04 Dec 41.
On 09 Nov 41, according to Captain Tyrrell, a Communications Group consisting of HARRIS, Henry Campbell, SM2c, 375 64 16, US Navy; MCCRILLIS, Carl Patton, RM3c, 413 49 94, USNR, V-3; CROSS, John Wood, 368 25 18, USNR, V-3, and MACURA, Lindimir Joseph, SM1c, 283 12, 66, USN, reported for temporary duty aboard the S.S. Pres. Grant in San Francisco.
There, Pres. Grant joined a convoy bound for the Philippines via Honolulu and Guam. The ships in the convoy were the escort, Light Cruiser, USS Boise (CL-47), Dona Nati, President Grant, John Lykes, Cape Fairweather, and American Leader. The convoy departed SF on 09 Nov 41, arriving Honolulu 15 Nov; departed there on 17 Nov, stopping briefly at Guam then arriving 4 Dec 41 in Manila. Capt., Tyrrell, the Master said, "in reporting to the Manila Port Director, I requested further disposition of these men, as they were no longer needed. Ship scheduled to proceed around the world alone. On the morning of December 5th the Signal Crew reported verbally to the Master that they had received instructions from the CAVITE receiving ship to report there and thereupon removed all their gear and departed, presumably for the CAVITE."
According to the USS Peary (DD-226) Report of Changes form, SM3 John W. Cross, USNR, reported on board Peary for duty on 19 Dec 41 from the Port Director, Naval Training Station (N.T.S.), 16th Naval District (Cavite, Philippines).
(see note at the end of this bio)
The threat of hostilities between the United States and Japan grew closer to the boiling point as the year 1941 began. Then, in July 1941, as Japanese aggression intensified with their move south into lower Indo-China, Admiral Hart, Commander, Asiatic Fleet, warned his officers that he had no doubt that war would come although he didn't know how or when it would start. Hart trained his destroyer crews hard keeping them on a war-footing for extended periods and away from Cavite naval base as much as possible exercising his "defensive deployment."
On 25 November 1941, two days in advance of the "war warning" which predicted that hostile Japanese action in the Pacific was imminent, Admiral Hart directed units of the Asiatic Fleet including destroyer tender USS Black Hawk (AD-9), and other ships of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Nine (DesRon) 29, to exercise his "Defensive Deployment" well south of Manila. The ships arrived on the morning of 29 Nov 1941 in Balikpapan, a major oil port on the eastern coast of Borneo. Some ships remained at Cavite for operational reasons. Peary was one of four destroyers to remain in Cavite with the USS Pillsbury (DD-227), USS Pope (DD-225) and USS John D. Ford (DD-228).
Govern Yourself Accordingly!
On 7 December 1941 [8 December east of the International date Line], the Japanese onslaught began across a wide area, from the Far East to Pearl Harbor. When word was received in Manila that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, Adm Hart direct his forces to "Govern Yourself Accordingly."
Several days later all hell broke loose at Manila Bay!
Despite his best efforts, Admiral Hart was still caught by surprise by the Japanese attacks on 10 Dec 1941. Four of the Destroyer Division Fifty Nine (DesDiv 59) ships remained in the Manila Bay area during the first week of December 1941 for overhaul and repairs (Peary and Pillsbury) and two others (Pope and Ford) to provide anti-submarine patrols and escort services for shipping. Pillsbury and Peary were in the navy yard at Cavite for repairs following a collision during night training exercises in late October. Peary was also experiencing a scheduled yard overhaul.
Peary was pier-side at Cavite's Central wharf on the morning of 10 Dec 1941 in a "cold iron" state. Her engines disassembled, bow open awaiting a patch, she was receiving "hotel" services (water, electricity and steam) from the pier (some reports indicate Peary was at the shipyard for routine maintenance). Many of her crew had moved ashore to continue repairs from base maintenance shops. She was non-operational. Suddenly, about 1300, two flights of more than 50 Japanese twin-engine, land-based, medium bombers appeared over the naval installations and commenced to obliterate everything in sight.
About 1350, Peary sustained a direct hit with an estimated 250 pound bomb which contained a combination of shrapnel and incendiary explosives. The bomb struck her mast spraying shrapnel in every direction killing or wounding almost everyone on the fire-control platform, bridge, and other areas and starting fires. Eight sailors were killed outright and five officers, including the Commanding Officer, Lcdr Keith, were wounded. The executive officer, Lt Albert Eugene Gates, Jr., was found unconscious on the bridge mortally wounded.
Unable to get underway and with little help on board or from ashore, Peary's fate seemed sealed. Suddenly, the small Asiatic Fleet minesweeper, USS Whippoorwill (AM-35), braved the flames, smoke and exploding warheads from a torpedo shop on the pier to render assistance (with help from Pillsbury) to the damaged Peary. After much effort, Whippoorwill was able to tow Peary to a buoy some distance away. She moored alongside Peary and within a brief period began sending over damage control parties, water and food to their beleaguered Peary (Whippoorwill's commanding officer received the Navy Cross for his actions that day.).
After the 10 Dec attack, the Peary's crew set to work repairing their ship. It was a Herculean effort performed by the crew in conjunction with the facilities of Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company to effect the minimum repairs in order to make Peary sea-worthy. Because a large number of Peary's crew were either killed, wounded or missing in action, a call for replacements was made by Peary's CO to COMAF and Commandant, Sixteenth Naval District (COM16ND) in Manila. Many sailors from other commands were transferred to Peary to help fill her manning shortages. Petty Officer Cross was one of those replacements sent to Peary on 19 Dec 1941.
On 23 Dec 1941, Peary got underway on her first war mission; an antisubmarine patrol assignment in the Verde Island Passage between Luzon and the Philippine island of Mindoro. She returned to port late on 24 Dec. On Christmas Day, she made passenger pick-up and delivery runs to Corregidor and Manila.
The day after Christmas 1941, the CO's of Pillsbury and Peary were ashore at a conference with COM16ND, Admiral Rockwell, to discuss releasing their ships to join other US forces in the Netherlands East Indies when enemy bombers suddenly appeared overhead. Peary was attacked by five flights of Japanese high level bombers. Each flight consisted of between 6 to 9 planes. Peary's new CO, Lt Bermingham, watched from ashore as his new executive officer, Lt Martin M. Koivisto, skillfully maneuvered Peary around Manila Bay dodging bomb after bomb for several hours. Though she suffered a few near misses, Peary emerged virtually unscathed. Later that evening, Peary and Pillsbury were ordered to put to sea and proceed south by the best route and join Task Force 5 at Soerabaja, Java. For safety, each ship was to proceed independently.
Peary's voyage south was eventful and dangerous as the Japanese held mastery of the air and sea. Intelligence information provided to Peary just after her departure from Manila indicated that Japanese warships probably lurked along his intended route to Surabaja. Peary's CO changed his track and destination to Darwin, Australia. Peary traveled only by night and during the day she was brought close to shore and tied up to trees and covered with palm fronds and green paint in order to blend with the flora of the various islands. Several times, Japanese bombers flew overhead but did not detect the ship.
About 0800, 28 Dec, Peary sighted a large Japanese four-engine seaplane shadowing her. It was a Kawanishi HK6 "Mavis" flying boat. About 1400, three more Mavis' joined and the attacks began with each plane making two runs dropping a single bomb estimated at 500 pounds. During the attacks, gun crews on Peary kept up continuous fire at the enemy planes. She maneuvered successfully avoiding the bombs while her gun crews threw up a curtain of anti-aircraft fire.
Finally, after the flying boats completed their attacks, two twin engine, single wing torpedo planes appeared and commenced an attack on Peary dropping two torpedoes off the port bow and two off the port quarter. Again, the skipper maneuvered the ship out of danger. However, after dropping their ordnance, the enemy torpedo planes returned to fired several strafing bursts which struck the stacks. They were driven off by heavy shipboard machine gun fire.
About 1800, off Kema Island in the Bangka Strait, three Australian Lockheed Hudson patrol bombers were sighted approaching from astern. The aircraft challenged Peary via signal light and she responded. The pilot was seen to wave his arm. However, one of the planes assumed a glide bombing profile. Peary's anti-aircraft batteries opened fire and began maneuvering radically. One of her crewman lost his balance and fell overboard (he was picked up by a fisherman, but was turned over to the Japanese. He worked in a mine in Japan and was repatriated at the end of the war.).
Each Hudson made two attacks dropping a single 250 pound shrapnel bomb. There were no direct hits but near misses caused extensive damage. Peary was hit in various places topside and in the engineering spaces. The shrapnel hit in the engineering spaces and knocked one of Peary's two main engines out of commission. One crewman was killed when he was struck by shrapnel (S1c Kenneth E. Quinaux, a machine gunner, was buried at sea during services at 2000 on 29 Dec 1941.). Prior to departing, each Hudson made a strafing run on the ship. It was learned later that the Australian aircraft had misidentified the US ships because of their resemblance to a class of Japanese warship.
Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It had been necessary to stop there to make repairs after being attacked by Australian aircraft. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.
Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make her seaworthy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary then assumed submarine escort duties.
On 29 Jan 1942, Peary steamed from Darwin bound for the island of Timor on a secret mission. She was to deliver a "special duty" contingent of sixteen US Army personnel, 100 drums (5300 gal) of avgas and 50 gallons of lube oil after midnight on 31 Jan 1942 to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) field. The fuel and lubricant was to be used by US Army Air Force P-40s in the defense of Java. Five Peary crewmen manned the motor whaleboat used to ferry the men and cargo ashore. Problems quickly developed. As the boat approached the shore it went aground and due to broaching seas it could not be towed clear. Because of the high sea state, it was not possible to remove the crew or return to them to the ship. The motor whaleboat crew were left ashore until such time as the tides shifted and seas moderated before they could be returned to the ship.
She resumed her anti-submarine escort duties for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942, and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She was also searching for an elusive Japanese submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel. Her luck was about to run out.
Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin was subject to a massive air attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary, still at anchor, was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. She sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing as the last enemy planes left the area.
Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. SM3 Cross was believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. On 10 April 1942, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your son John Wood Cross, Signalman Third Class, US Naval Reserve is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."
The following year, Mr and Mrs Harry Cross received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your son, John W. CROSS, Signalman Third Class, U.S.N.R, is deceased, having been reported "missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. PEARY when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your son's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your son gave his life for his Country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his service."
Petty Officer Cross was eligible for a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal with a bronze service star, and the WWII Victory Medal. He was previously awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
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Petty Officer Cross' family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:
In grateful memory of John Wood CROSS, who died in the service of his country at Darwin, Australia, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
//s// Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States
of America
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Note: RM3 Carl Patton McCrillis was wounded in the attacks on Manila/Cavite on 10 Dec 41 and hospitalized in Manila. He was captured by the Japanese and sent to POW camps in a number of different locations. He was repatriated from the POW Camp Osaka Main Camp Chikko Osaka in Sept 1945. He died in Arizona on 16 July 2007.
SM1C Ladimir Joseph Macura escaped unharmed during the 10 Dec attacks. He was assigned to the USS Peary with SM3 Cross at Cavite on 19 Dec 41. During her escape from the Philippines to Darwin, Australia, Peary's crew were exposed to a virulent form of Malaria/Dengue fever. Petty Officer Macura was hospitalized on 09 Jan 42 on board the destroyer tender, USS Black Hawk (AD-9) in Darwin. Macura remained aboard Black Hawk until his release from medical treatment and return to duty on 27 Feb 42. He was assigned to the destroyer, USS Bulmer (DD-222) for duty. He survived the war attaining the rank of Chief Signalman (SMC). He retired from naval service on 28 Feb 1953. He died on 16 Feb 1991 almost 49 years to the day when he might have died. This is the case of when falling sick is a life saver.
SM2c Henry Campbell Harris was wounded during the 10 Dec 41 attack on Manila/Cavite by the Japanese. He was captured and interned at a POW camp in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija Province, Central Luzon, Philippines. He died on 02 Nov 42 possibly from his wounds received on 10 Dec 41. He was probably declared missing in action about 01 July 1942. According to Veterans Administration records, Harris was presumed dead on 02 July 1943.
SM3 John Wood Cross was killed in action during the sinking of the USS Peary on 19 Feb 42.
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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.
--489--
As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation
Establishing Authority
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.
Acceptance by the United States
For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.
Effective Dates
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.
Criteria
The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:
• World War II
Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.
Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.
All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.
Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.
Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352
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Primary Sources:
1) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.
2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.
3) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.
4) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may not work.
5) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.
6) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42 : Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007.
http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf
7 Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.
8) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports
9) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports
10) Newspaper articles from the Salt Lake City area.
11) Cross, John Wood, US Navy Service Record obtained from the Nation Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR), St Louis, Missouri.
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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph.
https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_peary_memorial.htm
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Bio sketch #405 compiled on 17 Jan 2023 and revised on 23 Mar 2023 by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)
Military Hall of Honor ID#131835
Find A Grave Memorial #248629683
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Off Coast Of Australia
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