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Navy Federal Credit Union
Hans
Heinrich
Gerdes
POW (WWII) KIA

Hans Gerdes was a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Pope which was badly damaged and subsequently sank on March 1, 1942. He and the other survivors floated in life rafts or in floatation jackets throughout the night and into the following day when they were picked up and captured by the Japanese.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Seaman First Class

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Celebes Island)

    Action Date:

    March 2, 1942 – Died in Captivity

    Seaman First Class Hans Heinrich Gerdes, United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after his ship, the U.S.S. POPE (DD-225), was sunk on 1 March 1942, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death while still in captivity.