Rank/Rate Commander (Commanding Officer)
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Thank you to Judy Richards for the following:
Edward Noe Blakely
Rank/Rate Commander (Commanding Officer)
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Remarks Edward was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Information courtesy of Paul W. Wittmer.
Shark (SS-314)
Compiled by Paul W. Wittmer and Charles R. Hinman, originally from:
U.S. Submarine Losses World War II, NAVPERS 15,784, 1949 ISSUE
Joining SEADRAGON and BLACKFISH at Pearl Harbor, the second SHARK (Cdr. E. N. Blakely) left that place on 23 September 1944, and proceeded to Saipan to begin her third war patrol. The three vessels left the latter island on 3 October to conduct a coordinated patrol in the vicinity of Luzon Strait. Commander Blakely had command of this coordinated attack group, called Blakely's Behemoths.
On 22 October, SHARK reported having contacted four large enemy vessels in Latitude 20° 28'N, Longitude 117° 50'E. She still had her full load of torpedoes aboard, so had not made an attack. SHARK addressed no further messages to bases, but on 24 October, SEADRAGON received a message from her stating that she had made radar contact with a single freighter, and that she was going in to attack. This was the last message received from SHARK.
However, on 13 November 1944, a despatch originated by Commander Naval Unit, Fourteenth Air Force, stated that a Japanese ship enroute from Manila to Japan, with 1800 American prisoners of war had been sunk on 24 October by an American submarine in a torpedo attack. No other submarine reported the attack, and since SHARK had given SEADRAGON a contact report only a few hours before the sinking, and could not be raised by radio after it, it can only be assumed that SHARK made the attack described and perished during or after it. Five prisoners who survived and subsequently reached China stated that conditions on the prison ship were so intolerable that the prisoners prayed for deliverance from their misery by a torpedo or bomb. Because many prisoners of war had been rescued from the water by submarines after sinking vessels in which they were being transported, U.S. submarines had been instructed to search for Allied survivors in the vicinity of all sinkings of Empire bound Japanese ships. SHARK may well have been sunk trying to rescue American prisoners of war. All attempts to contact SHARK by radio failed and on 27 November she was reported as presumed lost.
A report from the Japanese received after the close of the war on anti-submarine attacks; records the attack made by SHARK on 24 October 1944, in Latitude 20° 41'N, Longitude 118° 27'E. Depth charges were dropped 17 times, and the enemy reports having seen "bubbles, and heavy oil, clothes, cork, etc." Several American submarines report having been attacked on this date near the position given, but in view of the fact that none reported the attack on the convoy cited above, this attack is considered the most probable cause of SHARK's loss.
SHARK sank five ships, totaling 32,200 tons and damaged two, for 9,900 tons prior to her last patrol. Her first patrol was in the area west of the Marianas. SHARK sank two freighters, a transport and a large tanker, and damaged a freighter, In her second patrol in the Bonins, SHARK sank a medium freighter.
November 8th is the date the War Department changed his status from MIA to KIA. The official date of death (October 24, 1944) is the same as the date his submarine, USS Shark (SS-314) was sunk in the China Sea.
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
RANK: Lieutenant Commander
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02010 (July 26, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 26 January to 21 March 1942. As an Officer of the Ship's Company he repeatedly gave great aid to the Commanding Officer of the vessel in conducting a commendable patrol under adverse weather conditions and against strong air and surface anti-submarine craft. His calm inspiring demeanor to those serving under him, and his outstanding physical endurance and untiring effort during time of attack and counterattack were of incalculable help in maintaining the crew and vessel in a state of maximum efficiency. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Edward Noe Blakely
DATE OF BIRTH: May 17, 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HOME OF RECORD:
Montgomery, Pennsylvania
Edward Blakely graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934.
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 2
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Shark (SS-314)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 04780 (September 11, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SHARK (SS-314), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, during the period 16 May 1944 to 17 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters west of the Mariana Islands, his first as Commanding Officer. With daring and aggressive determination in the face of unusually strong and alert enemy escorts, which included both air and surface craft, Commander Blakely skillfully executed three well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of our enemy ships for a total of 32,200 tons and damaging of one 5,600 ton freighter. Skillful evasive action enabled him to escape enemy counter-measures and avoid damage to his ship. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Blakely brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Thank you to Judy Richards for the following:
Edward Noe Blakely
Rank/Rate Commander (Commanding Officer)
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Remarks Edward was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Information courtesy of Paul W. Wittmer.
Shark (SS-314)
Compiled by Paul W. Wittmer and Charles R. Hinman, originally from:
U.S. Submarine Losses World War II, NAVPERS 15,784, 1949 ISSUE
Joining SEADRAGON and BLACKFISH at Pearl Harbor, the second SHARK (Cdr. E. N. Blakely) left that place on 23 September 1944, and proceeded to Saipan to begin her third war patrol. The three vessels left the latter island on 3 October to conduct a coordinated patrol in the vicinity of Luzon Strait. Commander Blakely had command of this coordinated attack group, called Blakely's Behemoths.
On 22 October, SHARK reported having contacted four large enemy vessels in Latitude 20° 28'N, Longitude 117° 50'E. She still had her full load of torpedoes aboard, so had not made an attack. SHARK addressed no further messages to bases, but on 24 October, SEADRAGON received a message from her stating that she had made radar contact with a single freighter, and that she was going in to attack. This was the last message received from SHARK.
However, on 13 November 1944, a despatch originated by Commander Naval Unit, Fourteenth Air Force, stated that a Japanese ship enroute from Manila to Japan, with 1800 American prisoners of war had been sunk on 24 October by an American submarine in a torpedo attack. No other submarine reported the attack, and since SHARK had given SEADRAGON a contact report only a few hours before the sinking, and could not be raised by radio after it, it can only be assumed that SHARK made the attack described and perished during or after it. Five prisoners who survived and subsequently reached China stated that conditions on the prison ship were so intolerable that the prisoners prayed for deliverance from their misery by a torpedo or bomb. Because many prisoners of war had been rescued from the water by submarines after sinking vessels in which they were being transported, U.S. submarines had been instructed to search for Allied survivors in the vicinity of all sinkings of Empire bound Japanese ships. SHARK may well have been sunk trying to rescue American prisoners of war. All attempts to contact SHARK by radio failed and on 27 November she was reported as presumed lost.
A report from the Japanese received after the close of the war on anti-submarine attacks; records the attack made by SHARK on 24 October 1944, in Latitude 20° 41'N, Longitude 118° 27'E. Depth charges were dropped 17 times, and the enemy reports having seen "bubbles, and heavy oil, clothes, cork, etc." Several American submarines report having been attacked on this date near the position given, but in view of the fact that none reported the attack on the convoy cited above, this attack is considered the most probable cause of SHARK's loss.
SHARK sank five ships, totaling 32,200 tons and damaged two, for 9,900 tons prior to her last patrol. Her first patrol was in the area west of the Marianas. SHARK sank two freighters, a transport and a large tanker, and damaged a freighter, In her second patrol in the Bonins, SHARK sank a medium freighter.
November 8th is the date the War Department changed his status from MIA to KIA. The official date of death (October 24, 1944) is the same as the date his submarine, USS Shark (SS-314) was sunk in the China Sea.
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
RANK: Lieutenant Commander
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02010 (July 26, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 26 January to 21 March 1942. As an Officer of the Ship's Company he repeatedly gave great aid to the Commanding Officer of the vessel in conducting a commendable patrol under adverse weather conditions and against strong air and surface anti-submarine craft. His calm inspiring demeanor to those serving under him, and his outstanding physical endurance and untiring effort during time of attack and counterattack were of incalculable help in maintaining the crew and vessel in a state of maximum efficiency. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Edward Noe Blakely
DATE OF BIRTH: May 17, 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HOME OF RECORD:
Montgomery, Pennsylvania
Edward Blakely graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934.
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 2
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Shark (SS-314)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 04780 (September 11, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SHARK (SS-314), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, during the period 16 May 1944 to 17 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters west of the Mariana Islands, his first as Commanding Officer. With daring and aggressive determination in the face of unusually strong and alert enemy escorts, which included both air and surface craft, Commander Blakely skillfully executed three well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of our enemy ships for a total of 32,200 tons and damaging of one 5,600 ton freighter. Skillful evasive action enabled him to escape enemy counter-measures and avoid damage to his ship. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Blakely brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Rank/Rate Commander (Commanding Officer)
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Thank you to Judy Richards for the following:
Edward Noe Blakely
Rank/Rate Commander (Commanding Officer)
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Remarks Edward was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Information courtesy of Paul W. Wittmer.
Shark (SS-314)
Compiled by Paul W. Wittmer and Charles R. Hinman, originally from:
U.S. Submarine Losses World War II, NAVPERS 15,784, 1949 ISSUE
Joining SEADRAGON and BLACKFISH at Pearl Harbor, the second SHARK (Cdr. E. N. Blakely) left that place on 23 September 1944, and proceeded to Saipan to begin her third war patrol. The three vessels left the latter island on 3 October to conduct a coordinated patrol in the vicinity of Luzon Strait. Commander Blakely had command of this coordinated attack group, called Blakely's Behemoths.
On 22 October, SHARK reported having contacted four large enemy vessels in Latitude 20° 28'N, Longitude 117° 50'E. She still had her full load of torpedoes aboard, so had not made an attack. SHARK addressed no further messages to bases, but on 24 October, SEADRAGON received a message from her stating that she had made radar contact with a single freighter, and that she was going in to attack. This was the last message received from SHARK.
However, on 13 November 1944, a despatch originated by Commander Naval Unit, Fourteenth Air Force, stated that a Japanese ship enroute from Manila to Japan, with 1800 American prisoners of war had been sunk on 24 October by an American submarine in a torpedo attack. No other submarine reported the attack, and since SHARK had given SEADRAGON a contact report only a few hours before the sinking, and could not be raised by radio after it, it can only be assumed that SHARK made the attack described and perished during or after it. Five prisoners who survived and subsequently reached China stated that conditions on the prison ship were so intolerable that the prisoners prayed for deliverance from their misery by a torpedo or bomb. Because many prisoners of war had been rescued from the water by submarines after sinking vessels in which they were being transported, U.S. submarines had been instructed to search for Allied survivors in the vicinity of all sinkings of Empire bound Japanese ships. SHARK may well have been sunk trying to rescue American prisoners of war. All attempts to contact SHARK by radio failed and on 27 November she was reported as presumed lost.
A report from the Japanese received after the close of the war on anti-submarine attacks; records the attack made by SHARK on 24 October 1944, in Latitude 20° 41'N, Longitude 118° 27'E. Depth charges were dropped 17 times, and the enemy reports having seen "bubbles, and heavy oil, clothes, cork, etc." Several American submarines report having been attacked on this date near the position given, but in view of the fact that none reported the attack on the convoy cited above, this attack is considered the most probable cause of SHARK's loss.
SHARK sank five ships, totaling 32,200 tons and damaged two, for 9,900 tons prior to her last patrol. Her first patrol was in the area west of the Marianas. SHARK sank two freighters, a transport and a large tanker, and damaged a freighter, In her second patrol in the Bonins, SHARK sank a medium freighter.
November 8th is the date the War Department changed his status from MIA to KIA. The official date of death (October 24, 1944) is the same as the date his submarine, USS Shark (SS-314) was sunk in the China Sea.
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
RANK: Lieutenant Commander
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02010 (July 26, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 26 January to 21 March 1942. As an Officer of the Ship's Company he repeatedly gave great aid to the Commanding Officer of the vessel in conducting a commendable patrol under adverse weather conditions and against strong air and surface anti-submarine craft. His calm inspiring demeanor to those serving under him, and his outstanding physical endurance and untiring effort during time of attack and counterattack were of incalculable help in maintaining the crew and vessel in a state of maximum efficiency. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Edward Noe Blakely
DATE OF BIRTH: May 17, 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HOME OF RECORD:
Montgomery, Pennsylvania
Edward Blakely graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934.
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 2
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Shark (SS-314)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 04780 (September 11, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SHARK (SS-314), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, during the period 16 May 1944 to 17 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters west of the Mariana Islands, his first as Commanding Officer. With daring and aggressive determination in the face of unusually strong and alert enemy escorts, which included both air and surface craft, Commander Blakely skillfully executed three well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of our enemy ships for a total of 32,200 tons and damaging of one 5,600 ton freighter. Skillful evasive action enabled him to escape enemy counter-measures and avoid damage to his ship. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Blakely brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Thank you to Judy Richards for the following:
Edward Noe Blakely
Rank/Rate Commander (Commanding Officer)
Service Number 0-073372
Birth Date May 17, 1912
From Los Angeles, California
Decorations Navy Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart
Submarine USS Shark (SS-314)
Loss Date October 24, 1944
Location Between Hainan and Bashi Channel
Circumstances Probably sunk by depth charge attack
Remarks Edward was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Information courtesy of Paul W. Wittmer.
Shark (SS-314)
Compiled by Paul W. Wittmer and Charles R. Hinman, originally from:
U.S. Submarine Losses World War II, NAVPERS 15,784, 1949 ISSUE
Joining SEADRAGON and BLACKFISH at Pearl Harbor, the second SHARK (Cdr. E. N. Blakely) left that place on 23 September 1944, and proceeded to Saipan to begin her third war patrol. The three vessels left the latter island on 3 October to conduct a coordinated patrol in the vicinity of Luzon Strait. Commander Blakely had command of this coordinated attack group, called Blakely's Behemoths.
On 22 October, SHARK reported having contacted four large enemy vessels in Latitude 20° 28'N, Longitude 117° 50'E. She still had her full load of torpedoes aboard, so had not made an attack. SHARK addressed no further messages to bases, but on 24 October, SEADRAGON received a message from her stating that she had made radar contact with a single freighter, and that she was going in to attack. This was the last message received from SHARK.
However, on 13 November 1944, a despatch originated by Commander Naval Unit, Fourteenth Air Force, stated that a Japanese ship enroute from Manila to Japan, with 1800 American prisoners of war had been sunk on 24 October by an American submarine in a torpedo attack. No other submarine reported the attack, and since SHARK had given SEADRAGON a contact report only a few hours before the sinking, and could not be raised by radio after it, it can only be assumed that SHARK made the attack described and perished during or after it. Five prisoners who survived and subsequently reached China stated that conditions on the prison ship were so intolerable that the prisoners prayed for deliverance from their misery by a torpedo or bomb. Because many prisoners of war had been rescued from the water by submarines after sinking vessels in which they were being transported, U.S. submarines had been instructed to search for Allied survivors in the vicinity of all sinkings of Empire bound Japanese ships. SHARK may well have been sunk trying to rescue American prisoners of war. All attempts to contact SHARK by radio failed and on 27 November she was reported as presumed lost.
A report from the Japanese received after the close of the war on anti-submarine attacks; records the attack made by SHARK on 24 October 1944, in Latitude 20° 41'N, Longitude 118° 27'E. Depth charges were dropped 17 times, and the enemy reports having seen "bubbles, and heavy oil, clothes, cork, etc." Several American submarines report having been attacked on this date near the position given, but in view of the fact that none reported the attack on the convoy cited above, this attack is considered the most probable cause of SHARK's loss.
SHARK sank five ships, totaling 32,200 tons and damaged two, for 9,900 tons prior to her last patrol. Her first patrol was in the area west of the Marianas. SHARK sank two freighters, a transport and a large tanker, and damaged a freighter, In her second patrol in the Bonins, SHARK sank a medium freighter.
November 8th is the date the War Department changed his status from MIA to KIA. The official date of death (October 24, 1944) is the same as the date his submarine, USS Shark (SS-314) was sunk in the China Sea.
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
RANK: Lieutenant Commander
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02010 (July 26, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. TUNA (SS-203), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 26 January to 21 March 1942. As an Officer of the Ship's Company he repeatedly gave great aid to the Commanding Officer of the vessel in conducting a commendable patrol under adverse weather conditions and against strong air and surface anti-submarine craft. His calm inspiring demeanor to those serving under him, and his outstanding physical endurance and untiring effort during time of attack and counterattack were of incalculable help in maintaining the crew and vessel in a state of maximum efficiency. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Edward Noe Blakely
DATE OF BIRTH: May 17, 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
HOME OF RECORD:
Montgomery, Pennsylvania
Edward Blakely graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1934.
AWARDS BY DATE OF ACTION: 1 of 2
Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING World War II
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Shark (SS-314)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 04780 (September 11, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Commander Edward Noe Blakely (NSN: 0-73372), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SHARK (SS-314), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine, during the period 16 May 1944 to 17 June 1944, in enemy controlled waters west of the Mariana Islands, his first as Commanding Officer. With daring and aggressive determination in the face of unusually strong and alert enemy escorts, which included both air and surface craft, Commander Blakely skillfully executed three well-planned and brilliantly executed torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of our enemy ships for a total of 32,200 tons and damaging of one 5,600 ton freighter. Skillful evasive action enabled him to escape enemy counter-measures and avoid damage to his ship. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Blakely brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Inscription
CDR, US NAVY WORLD WAR II
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Pennsylvania.
