December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
"I desire to offer to you my personal condolence in the tragic death of your son, George Joseph Stembrosky, Seaman second class, United States Navy, which occurred at the time of the attack by the Japanese on December seventh. It is hoped that you may find some comfort in the thought that he made the supreme sacrifice upholding the highest traditions of the Navy, in the defense of his country." These are the words that were read by George Stembrosky Sr. when he was notified of his son's death after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Stembrosky family immigrated to the United States in 1890. George Stembrosky Jr. was born on January 30, 1921 in Coaldale Pennsylvania. In order to support his family, George Stembrosky Sr. worked in coal mines and since coal mining was generational work, George Jr. was expected to follow his father into the mines. However George Jr. was a very active youth, playing basketball and football in high school. After completing high school, rather than commit his life to the coal mines, George decided that he wanted to serve in the Navy and on October 16, 1940, George traveled to Philadelphia and enlisted in the Navy. During this uneasy year, George would complete his training and hold the rank of Seaman Second Class. George was assigned to the WWI veteran battleship USS Nevada (BB-36) which would be transferred to the Pacific Fleet in 1940. On December 1, 1941, George was promoted to Seaman First Class just six days before he would meet his fate. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, The USS Nevada was the only battleship able to maneuver since the ship was not moored beside another battleship. The Nevada made an attempt to escape the harbor, but during the second wave of the attack, the Japanese forces concentrated their attack on the ship in order to attempt to block the harbor. With fears of blocking the harbor, the Nevada was ordered to be beached and managed to force down three Japanese aircraft before the ship hit shore. The Nevada suffered 3 officers and 47 enlisted men killed, with George Stembrosky included. The lot consists of George's posthumously awarded Purple Heart Certificate and accolade that are contained in the original shipping tube that was sent to George's family after his death. There are also four other documents related to George's death including a form from the WWII Veterans' Compensation Bureau, Report of Death, a typed letter by Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox that is probably secretary signed, and a Telegram addressed to George Stembrosky Sr. informing him of his son's death dated Dec. 24, 1941. CONDITION: The Purple Heart and accolade display slight tarnishing and creases around the edges but are in otherwise great condition as they have been contained in the original shipping tube. The documents that are addressed to George Sr. have noticeable folds and tears but are in otherwise good condition. This is a historically significant document grouping that needs to be preserved in a serious collection. JD
Item Dimensions: Length: 14 - 1/2"