JOSEPH S. GRIFFIN, LTJG, USN
Joseph Griffin '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
JOSEPH SEBASTIAN GRIFFIN
Detroit, Michigan
After two years at the University of Detroit, Griff was lured away by the call of the sea—the record he has made here at the academy leaves his decision above reproach. Besides starring, Joe always found time for company Softball, a little lacrosse, and a smashing but slightly erratic game of tennis. Though he satisfied temptation by a periodic fling with a steak dinner, nothing of that nature occurred in the way of wine, women, and song—it is feared that Griff will leave us as the same homespun, exemplary, unassuming, yet diverting and good natured friend in need that we have known him to be.
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.
JOSEPH SEBASTIAN GRIFFIN
Detroit, Michigan
After two years at the University of Detroit, Griff was lured away by the call of the sea—the record he has made here at the academy leaves his decision above reproach. Besides starring, Joe always found time for company Softball, a little lacrosse, and a smashing but slightly erratic game of tennis. Though he satisfied temptation by a periodic fling with a steak dinner, nothing of that nature occurred in the way of wine, women, and song—it is feared that Griff will leave us as the same homespun, exemplary, unassuming, yet diverting and good natured friend in need that we have known him to be.
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
Joseph was lost when USS Helena (CL 50) was sunk on July 6, 1943 by multiple torpedoes in the Battle of Kula Gulf.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Joseph was a sophomore in chemical engineering at the University of Detroit when he was nominated to the Naval Academy by Rep. John D. Dingell.
His father was Joseph, president of a hauling company, mother Pauline, sisters Marjorie, Catherine, Rita, and Patricia.
From Detroit Free Press on August 5, 1943:
An honor graduate of Holy Redeemer High School, Griffin attended St. Anne's School and the University of Detroit Engineering School prior to his appointment to Annapolis in 1939. After graduating from Annapolis with distinction, he was commissioned lieutenant (j.g.) on May 1, 1943, and immediately assigned to duty aboard the Helena. He participated in all major engagements in the Solomons aboard the Helena and wore a campaign bar with three gold stars.
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Griff was born on 13 June 1920 in Detroit, Michigan. He was appointed from Michigan and entered the Academy on June 1939. After graduation he reported for duty aboard the cruiser USS HELENA. On 10 August 1943 the HELENA was lost with Griff as the result of torpedo attack by enemy ships in the Kula Gulf. He wore the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign medals. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Pauline Sebastian Griffin who lived at 921-24th Street, Detroit Michigan at Griff's death.
Joseph is remembered at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.
Related Articles
Elmer Buerkle '25, John Mooney, Jr. '35, and Arthur Yeates, Jr. '38 were also lost when Helena was sunk. Charles Cecil '16, the ship's commanding officer, survived only to be lost later in the war.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
