KIA Navy Purple Heart from USS Juneau (Sullivan brothers ship)

[NickCT]

I got this wonderful medal from a relative of Leroy Soule. He was killed in action on November 13, 1942 in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, along with the 5 Sullivan brothers.

 

The ship's first major action was the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands on October 26, 1942. Shortly after 10am, 27 Japanese aircraft attacked the USS Hornet and accompanying ships, which the Juneau was escorting. Though the Juneau along with other screen ships splashed about 20 Japanese aircraft in an effective AA screen, the Hornet sunk the following day. Just before noon, the Juneau left the Hornet's escort for the Enterprise group several miles away. Adding her firepower, the Juneau repulsed 4 enemy attacks and splashed 18 Japanese aircraft.

 

At 2am on November 13, the Juneau along with a few other ships ran into a large Japanese force consisting of 2 battleships, 1 light cruiser and 9 destroyers. Because of bad weather and poor communication, the battle took place in pitch darkness at near point blank range. The Juneau was struck on the port side by a torpedo and withdrew from the battle.

 

Before noon on November 13, the Juneau along with 2 other cruisers damaged in the battle, the Helena and San Francisco, the Juneau headed for Espiritu Santo for repairs. She was down 12 feet by the bow, but still maintaining 13 knots. A few minutes after 11am, a Japanese submarine, the I-26, launched two torpedoes meant for the San Francisco. They missed and instead hit the Juneau in the exact same spot she was hit earlier that evening in the nighttime battle. There was a huge explosion, and the Juneau disappeared under the waves in less than 20 seconds. Fearing for more attacks from the I-26, and thinking that nobody had survived, the Helena and San Francisco fled the scene. Little did they know over 100 men had survived the torpedo attack. These men, were left stranded in the open water for 8 days. 3 of the Sullivan brothers died in the explosion according to reports, 1 of the brothers survived for one day after the sinking but disappeared under the water, and the 5th brother died a couple days before the rescue. Most died from shark attacks and the elements, until only 10 men were rescued by a rescue aircraft.

 

The USS Juneau received 4 Battle Stars for her service. RIP Seaman 2nd Class Leroy Soule.

 

 

 

 

[KySoldier]

Simply a beautiful Purple Heart ! God bless Seaman Soule and all those sailors who were lost and keep them.

[Jack's Son]

So much history in that battle. R.I.P. Seaman Soule.

[History Man]

Amazing heart with the tragic connection to that battle, thank you for posting.

 

Philip

[tarbridge]

Thanks for posting.Robert

[cap_george]

Captain Hoover (commander of the USS Helena) Ranking Officer in charge after the night battle, was relieved of command for leaving the Juneau

and not looking for survivors. Yes a very sad story. Captain Albert

[NickCT]

Thanks a lot Captain, that's really good to hear and I never knew that

[Navy Dan]

Outstanding PH,

Fair winds and following seas !

Seaman Soule

Dan

[cap_george]

Quick note, the "Soule" name is an old family name that goes back to the Mayflower. Very interesting family. Beautiful Purple Heart. Thanks Captain Albert

[Terry K.]

Most people don't even know about the many naval battles around Guadalcanal. I have read many books on them and am right now re-reading(3rd or 4th time), "The Campaign for Guadalcanal" by Coggins.

 

Very nice find from the Juneau!

[jhall]

Beautiful example, thanks for providing it.

[Teamski]

Um, wow. An amazing medal.

 

-Ski

[sgtpete]

Beautiful medal. The USS Juneau was a sad chapter in the early years of the war. If you have a photo of S2c Soule I would be honored to put it on my website. I am trying to collect as many photos of the Juneau's crew as I can. http://ussjuneau.weebly.com/crew-photos.html

[decwriter]

Here's another one from the USS Juneau.

[NickCT]

Mark from the forum was able to get some good research files on Mr. Soule. One in particular is a scan of a letter that Leroy's mother wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, begging her to open up an investigation because well after her son was listed as missing in action and later killed in action, Mrs. Soule was reading an issue of Life magazine when she came across pictures of a Red Cross hospital ship taken shortly after the Juneau was sunk. She swore she saw her son among one of the faces of the patients. She was able to have Life Magazine send her an enlarged picture of the one they posted in the magazine, and she says she is positive it is him, and she desperately asks for Mrs. Roosevelt's help. Her letter was forwarded to the Dependent's Welfare Division, who wrote her back and said they came up with nothing after an "investigation", and that the reluctance that parents are willing to accept their son's death in combat is understood and common. Here's some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NickCT]

Here is a transcript of the letter his mother wrote:

 

Dear Mrs. Roosevelt,
I am writing to you as one mother to another. I am asking you for a great favor. I would appreciate your kindness very much if you would help me. I would be ever grateful if you would help me find my son Leroy Walter Soule.

He was 17 years old when he enlisted in the Navy in January 1941, and in January 1942 I received a telegram mission in action. He was serving on the USS Juneau. I will give you his full name and rating. Leroy Walter Soule SEA-2C USS Juneau, 70 Fleet Post Master, San Francisco Calif. US Navy

 

And in July 1942 I received a letter from Secretary Knox believed killed in action but no proof. But in January 11 1942's Life Magazine, I came across a picture taken on a Red Cross hospital ship right after the battle of November 13th in the South Pacific. It is my son's picture, I positively know it is him. I went to the Red Cross and asked them to help me find him. but they said the Navy did not want them to do anything about it. So they wrote a letter to the Navy about the picture. They told the Red Cross it could be one of a dozen boys. I sent a letter to Life Magazine and they made a larger copy of the picture and mailed it to me. I am enclosing the picture and would be very grateful if you could help me.

 

My heart is broken, and I am positive he is in a hospital someplace. I do not care how badly he is injured physically or mentally, I want him back. I love him and he means everything to me. Money does not mean a thing to us. We just want to find our son. You have traveled so much. I read 'My Day' and I feel you are the person that can help me. I love my boy and want to find him (Please help me).

 

Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Walter Soule
Rochdale Road
Poughkeepsie New York

[NickCT]

 

 

 

 

 

I looked up January 11 1942 Life Magazine, but I don't see anything except a January 12, 1942 issue - perhaps she made a mistake in the letter. Otherwise there is a January 11, 1943 issue. I might try to buy a copy off eBay and see if I can find a picture of who she thinks is her son.

[katieony]

Beautiful engraving. Thank you for posting!

 

Mike

[BROBS]

wow.. amazing!

I'm from the hometown of the 5 Sullivan brothers, and would love to find something like this relating to the USS Juneau.

 

thanks for showing.. I am humbled by these brave men's sacrifice.

-Brian