LT.Greenwood,USS Erie PG-50
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Lt. jg Frank Greenwood.
10 January 1915 - 12 November 1942
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Lt. jg Frank Greenwood.
This was only photo we had of LT. Greenwood. It was graciously submitted by Mr. Jon Balson, who has been doing extensive research on the USS Erie. Mr. Balson states this picture was taken during one of the Crossing the Equator initiations. "Ancient order of the deep" held on board the USS Erie in March 1941, in route to the Galapagos Islands. LT Greenwood is 25 years old here.
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Pictures courtesy of Mr. Dan Gagnon, Chairman of the Methuen Historical Commission.
Image taken from Patrick Clancy's Hyper war.
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Lt. Ned J. Wentz and Lt. John B. Elliott in happier times fishing from the PG-50, early in 1942. Lt. Wentz would be killed in action, and Lt. Elliot would lose his leg in the attack by U-163.
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USS Erie's two single turreted stern 6"47's letting loose!
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STATEMENT OF NAVAL SERVICE for LIEUTENANT (JG) FRANK GREENWOOD.
Born January 10, 1915 in Methuen, Massachusetts. 120 Camden St.
Father: Harry Greenwood. Mother: Laura Greenwood.
July 17, 1940. Enlisted in U.S. Naval Reserve as Apprentice Seaman, Boston Mass.
August 19, 1940-September 14, 1940. Active training duty, USS Arkansas BB-
September 15, 1940. Enlistment terminated under honorable conditions.
September 16, 1940. Appointed Midshipmen, U.S. Naval Reserve.
September 16, 1940-December 11, 1940 Active training duty, Naval Reserve Midshipman's school, Northwestern university, Chicago, Illinois.
December 12, 1940. Promoted to Ensign. In active duty status. Assigned to the Fifth Naval district awaiting transportation to USS Erie.
December 30, 1940. Reported to USS Erie PG-50 for active duty.
June 15, 1942. Promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade).
November 15, 1942. Killed in action with an enemy U-boat, U-163. In the Caribbean theater of operations.
The Following is and excerpt from the Classified report on the sinking of the USS Erie by U-163; from the Commanding Officer of the USS Erie to The Secretary of the Navy.
9 December 1942.
Submitted by Mr. Jon Balson.
The USS Erie was torpedoed on the afternoon of the 12th of November, 1942, while flagship of the convoy escort. At that time the convoy was some four miles south of Willemstad, Curacao, N.W.I. Latitude 12-05 North; Longitude 68-55 West. A German Submarine, U-163 passed through the sound screen undetected, and fired four Torpedoes. One of which struck the rear starboard (right) quarter just below the X 6" 47 turret of the USS Eire. The explosion blew a large hole in the hull, and ripped the deck from side to side. The torpedo's explosion was followed by another explosion of considerable violence in the same general vicinity. This was from secondary explosions and fires from the fuel oil tanks, diesel oil tank, and the aviation gasoline compartment that was ruptured from the impact. The fires spread quickly through out he damaged area, with numerous secondary explosions from 100lbs G.P. aviation bombs, depth charges and the ready ammunition of the 6" 47's and other smaller calibers added to the destruction.
The USS Eire was at the time patrolling station at about 14.7 knots in a sector about 4,500 yards ahead of the convoy. A break was noted in the surface of the water about 1,500 yards on the starboard beam. It appeared as if it might have been made by two fish, though the spray was appeared more violent. It was then evident that it was the porpoising of two torpedoes. The command was given to "Come Right!" As this command was being given, other reports of torpedoes coming in from the starboard quarter came in form lookouts, signal men, and gun crews. The order was then given for "Hard Left Rudder, Full Speed Ahead!" The officer of the deck then sounded the siren for collision. From the time the torpedo that hit was spotted, it seemed to to be curving very slowly left, then just before reaching the ship the torpedoes course straightened out. It then hit the ship. The other torpedoes passed ahead of the USS Erie.
After the ship was beached, a muster was held and it was established that the following Officers were missing.
1) Greenwood, Frank. LT(jg). USNR. Gunnery Officer.
2) Wentz. Ned. LT(SC). USN. Supply Officer.
3) Peterson, Ernest LT. USN. Aviator.
4) Gorsuch, Gilbert LT.(DC). USN. Dental Officer.
5) LLoyd, Albert. LT. Commander(SC). USNR. Supply Officer.
6) Kunkie, George. LT. USNR. Engineering Officer.
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