JAMES D. UNGER, LTJG, USN

James Unger '43

Date of birth: September 15, 1919

Date of death: June 12, 1943

Age: 23

Lucky Bag

From the 1943 Lucky Bag:

JAMES DONALD UNGER

Long Branch, New Jersey

Jim came to the academy already a seasoned sailor from the fleet, with a true love for the sea in his heart, and the ambition to become an officer foremost in mind. He is a man any commanding officer would like to have on board his ship. When work was to be accomplished, he gave it all he had, and when it was time to play he was always ready for action. An all around athlete of no mean ability, he derived most enjoyment from swimming, lacrosse, and wrestling. His pleasing personality has won him many friends at the academy, and we are sure it will continue to do so after he is out in the fleet, this time an ensign.

The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

JAMES DONALD UNGER

Long Branch, New Jersey

Jim came to the academy already a seasoned sailor from the fleet, with a true love for the sea in his heart, and the ambition to become an officer foremost in mind. He is a man any commanding officer would like to have on board his ship. When work was to be accomplished, he gave it all he had, and when it was time to play he was always ready for action. An all around athlete of no mean ability, he derived most enjoyment from swimming, lacrosse, and wrestling. His pleasing personality has won him many friends at the academy, and we are sure it will continue to do so after he is out in the fleet, this time an ensign.

The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

From Find A Grave:

Lieutenant JG. Unger was killed when shortly after noon on 12 June 1943, R-12 while underway to conduct a torpedo practice approach, sounded her last diving alarm. As R-12 completed preparations to dive, the forward battery compartment began to flood. The collision alarm was sounded and a report was made that the forward battery compartment was flooding. Orders were given to blow main ballast, but the sea was faster. In about 15 seconds, R-12 was lost. The commanding officer, one other officer, and three enlisted men were swept from the bridge as the boat sank and were rescued. Forty-two lives were lost. R-12 was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 6 July.

The boat went down near Key West, Florida. A documentary movie was made about her, and her discovery, in January 2017.

Other Information

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":

Jim was born on 15 September, 1919. He was appointed from at-large and entered the Academy on 7 July, 1939. After graduation he reported to Commander, Submarine Division TWELVE at Key West, Florida in connection with submarine training aboard the submarine USS R-2 and then to the Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut for further training. In December he reported to the submarine R-12 for duty in the Atlantic.
On 12 June, 1943 the R-12 was taking position on the surface for a torpedo practice approach off Key West, Florida in good weather when collision alarm sounded below. Word was passed that the forward battery compartment was flooding. In fifteen calamitous seconds water closed in over the R-12 and only those on the bridge at the time were saved. Jim and all but two officers and three men aboard were lost. The cause of the sinking was unknown but probably was the result of flooding through a forward torpedo tube. Jim wore the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, and the American Area Campaign Medal. Jim was survived by his wife, Viola Irins who at Jim's death resided at 96 Oakwood Avenue, Long Beach, New Jersey.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

James graduated from Bridgeton high school in 1936. In the section “Many Moons from Now” Habitation: Hong Kong. Occupation: Commander in navy. Favorite expression: “Aye, aye, Sir.”
On June 9, 1937, he enlisted in the Navy.
He married Viola Ivins in July 1942 in Key West, Florida. Besides his widow, he was survived by his father Willis, an employee of the Jersey Central railroad, mother Cornelia, and brother Roy who was an aviation machinist at Providence, Rhode Island.

His wife was listed as next of kin.