Ernest Spangle
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Photo: Lois and Ernie Spangle, August 1, 1945, New York. (Mr. and Mrs. Spangle were married on July 31, 1945, while Mr. Spangle was on a 9-day leave from ship.)
Ernest Spangle served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1943 until December 1945. He was assigned to the Cleveland class light cruiser U.S.S. Birmingham (CL-62) and the destroyer Harlan R. Dickson (DD-708). Mr. Spangle was aboard the Birmingham in the Solomon Islands, where he took part in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay (8–9 November), along with sister ships Cleveland, Columbia, Montpelier, and Denver.
Japanese planes hit the Birmingham with two bombs and a torpedo. Mr. Spangle noted that witnessing a burial at sea is something he will never forget. He said that ship's gunners shot down 7 Japanese planes during the battle. He added that the Birmingham's captain was always looking for a fight, which could explain the ship's reputation as one of the "fightingest" ships in the Navy. Mr. Spangle next served on the Harlan R. Dickson. He especially liked this ship and forged many lifetime friendships while serving aboard.
His rank was Electrician's Mate 2nd Class. Mr. Spangle was born in Pontiac, Michigan, in 1922, the son of George and Agnes Spangle.
Source: Veterans' Memorial Hall Veteran History Form
