Arthur Salpacka
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Unit Info: Naval Reserve
Arthur Salpacka enlisted in the Naval Reserve on September 24, 1942.
He served as a Carpenter's Mate Second Class in the European and Pacific Theaters aboard the USS Chateau Thierry (PA 31) and the destroyer USS Pritchett (DD 561).
He recalls, "Made four trips to Iceland carrying troops and supplies. Had many scary moments, especially at 'Torpedo Junction' where the ships departed, some to England and the rest to Iceland...After the runs to Iceland, we took troops to North Africa...Oran, took on seasoned troops to invade Sicily."
"Participated in taking troops to Gala, Sicily. Next day Italian prisoners were loaded and brought to Bizerte...then took on German prisoners from North Africa and brought them to U.S. for internment. The Germans were kept below decks. Allowed to go topside for a breath of air and exercise under the watchful eyes of Marine guards."
"One night a prisoner opened the hatch and stepped out. He was gunned down by the guards. I was one of the pall bearers and stood by as his body was slid over the side....Arriving in New York the prisoners were unloaded at a special dock."
"They had been told that New York had been bombed off the map. Our crew stayed at the pier for a few days and then was sent to Norfolk, Virginia, where I was assigned to Destroyer Pritchett...."
He received the following: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with seven bronze battle stars, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, American Campaign Medal.
He was honorably discharged on October 19, 1945 at Bremerton, Washington.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 280.
