David Blettel

David Blettel

Age: 32
Branch: USNR
Rank(s): MM2c (CB), MM1c (CB)
Unit: UDT9
Station: U.S.S. Belknap

Fallen on: 12 Jan 1945
Location: Lingayen Gulf
Era: WWII
Campaign: Invasion of Lingayen Gulf

Medals & Commendations: Purple Heart (awarded posthumously)

Hometown: Pacific Grove, CA

Details:
MM1 Blettel was among 38 killed when a Japanese suicide plane hit the USS Belknap (APD-34) amidships. 11 of those lost were from UDT9.