Fonda KIA Navy & Marine Corps Medal

U.S. MINT NAVY & MARINE CORPS HEROISM MEDAL

Lieutenant Frederick Anthony Fonda

United States Navy Lieutenant Frederick Anthony "Cherry" Fonda (service #166245) was born Jan. 12th 1921 in Fiume, Italy. Fred was naturalized as an American Citizen on Nov. 24th 1931.

Fred attended Linden High School & during his time at Linden earned himself a spot on the Varsity Football Team, he was the Senior Class Treasure, Junior Class President, sports editor, & participated in band, orchestra, & Glee Club. Fred graduated from Linden High in June of 1939.

Fred enrolled in Newark College of Engineering in Sept. of 1939, where he spent the next 3 years of his life while working for Davis Engineering Corp. as a draftsman during the summer months.

Fred was commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Reserves on March 14th 1942 at the Headquarters 3rd Naval District, N.Y. during his junior year at Newark. Ensign Fonda graduated at the top third of his class with a Bachelors of Science Degree from Newark College on Jan. 15th 1943.

March 14th 1942

On March 1st 1943 Ensign Fonda reported to Naval Training School (Steam Engineering) Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. where he remained until he June 26th when he was transferred to the Atlantic Naval Operations Base, Norfolk, VA.

Ensign Fonda was transfer to the Destroyer U.S.S. Goldsborough on July 8th 1943. On Dec. 4th 1943, the U.S.S. Goldsborough sailed with the Core task group. Fonda was promoted to Lieutenant J.G. on April 1st 1944.
Near midnight of Jan. 2nd 1944, she made visual contact with a surfaced U-Boat off the Azores, she fought through heavy seas in an attempt to ram amidships. She just missed the U-boat's stern as it slid under the sea. After two depth charge attacks, U.S.S. Goldsborough lost contact. LT. Fonda remained on the U.S.S. Goldsborough until Feb. 24th 1945 when he was detached to the 12th Naval District, San Fransisco, CA.

April 1st 1944

Lieutenant J.G. Fonda was detached from the 12th Naval District on March 14th 1945 to the Pacific Fleet Destroyers. From May 1st - May 7th
LT. J.G. Fonda attended 20mm anti aircraft training school on Waianae, Oahu. On May 8th 1945 LT. J.G. Fonda was transferred the the Destroyer U.S.S. Greene in the Asiatic Pacific theater of war. The U.S.S. Greene commenced escort duties from Guam to Okinawa & stood anti submarine picket line off Okinawa until the fall of 1945. The U.S.S. Greene continued escort duties between Okinawa Saipan & the Philippines. After the war's end, she evacuated ex-prisoners of war from Nagasaki after that port had been razed by the second Atomic Bomb dropped on Japan.

The U.S.S. Greene's long career came to an end during Typhoon Louise on Oct. 9th 1945 at Okinawa.
Winds in excess of 100 knots drove her aground on the northwest coast of Kutaka, damaging her beyond economic repair, along with over 200 Navy & Merchant ships.

Nov. 1st 1945

LT. J.G. Fonda was promoted to Lieutenant on Nov. 1st 1945. On his first assignment as a LT. on Nov. 9th 1945 LT. Fonda was the lead damage control officer in charge of a working party removing ammunition from the aft handling room of the U.S.S. Greene. Suddenly an unknown gas or fumes overtook the 4 men working in the magazine: Gunner’s Mate Clyde D. Sly, Gunner’s Mate Samuel H. Scheimer, Sonarman James M. Carbaugh, & Seaman Howard G. Vaverka. LT. Fonda immediately jumped into action and attempted to rescue the 4 men until he was also stricken down by the gas. Within a few minutes all the men were brought up to the main deck & received the best medical attention from the ships Doctor but non regained consciousness. LT. Fonda passed away at 4:12pm, his official cause of death was accidental asphyxiation due to oxygen deficiency. He was initially buried at the Island Command Cemetery, Okinawa at 11:00 a.m. Nov. 12th. 1945. His service was attended by 25 of LT. Fonda’s shipmates & friends.

United States Navy Lieutenant Frederick Anthony Fonda was repatriate to
Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Meyer, VA.

Lieutenant Fonda & his men died in the line of duty not as a result of misconduct, he was recommended posthumously for Navy & Marine Corps Medal.
Part of his citation reads:

“Lieutenant Fonda’s outstanding loyalty to his men & his devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.”

Forwarded to LT. Fonda's Father, May 9th 1946.

LT. FREDERICK A. FONDA USNR NOV. 9, 1945

Forwarded to LT. Fonda's Father, Dec. 16th 1946.

LT. Fonda's Father was forwarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Battle Star on June 28th 1948, unfortunately this medal was separated from the group & lost...

There are no records or reason to why LT. Fonda's Next of Kin would have received a Purple Heart Medal, it is unknown if a request might have been made by the family & engraved officially or the Family had a Purple Heart engraved Privately. Lt. Fonda's non-combat death after hostilities with Japan had ceased would not meet the regulations for a Purple Heart Medal.

Features on pg. 455 of David A. Schwind’s Purple Heart book “Sacrafice Remembered” (click photo to buy this amazing book)

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