Max Silverstein
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| Max Silverstein | |
|---|---|
| 15 February 1911 - 7 May 1942 | |
| Place of birth | Chicago, Illinois |
| Place of death | at sea, Coral Sea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1932-1942 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Sims (DD-409) |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Coral Sea |
| Awards | Silver Star |
Max Silverstein was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 15 February 1911.
Contents |
[edit] Navy career
Silverstein was appointed midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy on 18 June 1928. He was commissioned ensign on 2 June 1932 and went to sea in Chester (CA-27) on the 26th as an aircraft gunnery observer.
He was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) on 2 June 1935 and subsequently served in Chaumont (AP-45), Tattnall (DD-125), and Seattle (CA-11). After being promoted to lieutenant on 13 March 1940, later changed to date from 1 August 1939, Lt. Silverstein reported for duty as Engineer and Damage Control Officer in Sims (DD-409).
[edit] Awarded the Silver Cross
On 7 May 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Sims came under aerial attack. Though knocked unconscious by the first bomb, Lt. Silverstein quickly recovered and “coolly directed the securing of the boilers, the jettisoning of topside weights to preserve stability and the preparations for repairs to save the vessel from sinking.” Lt. Silverstein died soon thereafter when Sims sank. For “his relentless determination and inspiring heroism . . . ,” Lt. Silverstein was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal.
[edit] Namesake
Silverstein (DE-534) was laid down on 8 October 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts; launched on 8 November 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Ruth B. Silverstein; and commissioned on 14 July 1944, Lt. Comdr. F.A. Reece, Jr., USNR, in command.
[edit] References
This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
