Husband of Elizabeth Reed Becker who resided in Salem, Massachusetts.

Clarence served as a Lieutenant Commander & Skipper, U.S.S. Longshaw (DD-559), U.S. Navy during World War II.

He resided in the District Of Columbia prior to the war.

The Longshaw, while on patrol, ran aground on a coral reef just south of Naha Airfield, Japan. Japanese shore batteries opened up, hitting the stranded destroyer in her bow which was completely blown off by explosions in the forward magazine. The order was given to "abandon ship" and after many crewmen were rescued the Longshaw, later in the afternoon, was destroyed by gunfire and torpedoes from other U.S. ships.

The Longshaw had 86 dead or missing crewmen in this attack.

Clarence was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # O-082743

The Longshaw received 9 battle stars for World War II service.

Bio by:
Russell S. "Russ" Pickett

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Husband of Elizabeth Reed Becker who resided in Salem, Massachusetts.

Clarence served as a Lieutenant Commander & Skipper, U.S.S. Longshaw (DD-559), U.S. Navy during World War II.

He resided in the District Of Columbia prior to the war.

The Longshaw, while on patrol, ran aground on a coral reef just south of Naha Airfield, Japan. Japanese shore batteries opened up, hitting the stranded destroyer in her bow which was completely blown off by explosions in the forward magazine. The order was given to "abandon ship" and after many crewmen were rescued the Longshaw, later in the afternoon, was destroyed by gunfire and torpedoes from other U.S. ships.

The Longshaw had 86 dead or missing crewmen in this attack.

Clarence was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # O-082743

The Longshaw received 9 battle stars for World War II service.

Bio by:
Russell S. "Russ" Pickett

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