JOHN W. SINCAVICH, LT, USN

John Sincavich '43

Date of birth: May 14, 1920

Date of death: March 28, 1945

Age: 24

Lucky Bag

From the 1943 Lucky Bag:

JOHN WILLIAM SINCAVICH

Bridgeport, Ohio

Jocundity to the n'th degree—that's Siny thru and thru. A born jitterbug, he amazed us not only with his dance steps, but also with his variety of fancy dives in the natatorium. A year of college helped him to beat the system, and gave him plenty of time for his favorite sport, swimming. Whenever anything strange, tricky, or difficult came along, from a new dive to a new line, Siny was the man to try it. Confining his snaking to one coast at a time, he only dragged every other week, but the gals weren't any happier to see him than we were, and we are glad he came in with '43.

He was a member of the swim team.

The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

JOHN WILLIAM SINCAVICH

Bridgeport, Ohio

Jocundity to the n'th degree—that's Siny thru and thru. A born jitterbug, he amazed us not only with his dance steps, but also with his variety of fancy dives in the natatorium. A year of college helped him to beat the system, and gave him plenty of time for his favorite sport, swimming. Whenever anything strange, tricky, or difficult came along, from a new dive to a new line, Siny was the man to try it. Confining his snaking to one coast at a time, he only dragged every other week, but the gals weren't any happier to see him than we were, and we are glad he came in with '43.

He was a member of the swim team.

The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

John was lost when USS Trigger (SS 237) was sunk by combined Japanese air and surface attack on March 28, 1945.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

John married Betty Ruth Kirst in May 1944. His last address was 450 Spruce Lane, Woodbury, New Jersey.
John’s mother was Edna, sister Darline, brother Robert, and grandmother Anna. His father was John Joseph, a grocery store owner. He was born 11/8/1893 in Poland and died 6/13/1958. In WWI, he was a sergeant in the infantry Company K.

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":

Sinc was born in Bridgeport, Ohio on 14 May, 1920. He was appointed from Ohio and entered the Academy on 29 June, 1939. Upon graduation, he went to submarine instruction with Commander Submarine Division TWELVE and the Submarine Base, New London. In February 1943, Sinc reported to the submarine USS TRIGGER in the Pacific and qualified in submarines in August 1943. Sinc was on his fourth war patrol with TRIGGER off the Nansei Shoto Archipelago. The TRIGGER had sunk sixteen Japanese ships and earned the Presidential Unit Citation. After sinking another Japanese ship, TRIGGER was attacked by Japanese aircraft and then by anti-submarine ships on 27 March, 1945 which resulted in the loss of the submarine with all hands.
Sinc received two Bronze Star Medals. The citations of which read:

For meritorious achievement as Diving Officer on board a United States Submarine during a War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during World War II. Skilled and tirelessly in the performance of duty, Lt Sincavich rendered expert and valuable service and, by his efficient control of his submarine’s depth in the water, aided his commanding officer in contacting nine aggressive and successful attacks upon two enemy convoys which resulted in the sinking of three loaded Japanese tankers and two freighters and in the severe damaging of a third hostile freighter despite the enemy's heavy close-range gunfire. His outstanding leadership, cool courage and zealous devotion to the completion of each perilous mission reflect the highest credit upon Lt Sincavich and upon the United States Naval Service.
CITATION: (second)
For meritorious service as Diving Officer serving on board the USS TRIGGER during the EIGHTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Caroline Islands Area from January 1 to February 23, 1944. Discharging the exacting duties of his vital assignment skillfully and with superb professional ability, LT (then LTjg) Sincavich rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in pressing home his bold, determined attacks against Japanese surface forces, thereby contributing immeasurably to the success of the TRIGGER in sinking an important amount of enemy shipping and returning safe to base despite severe hostile countermeasures. By his sound, judgement, cool courage and zealous devotion to duty maintained in the face of grave danger, LT Sincavich served as an inspiration to the officers and men on board his ship and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

He also wore the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Ribbon, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign with two Bronze Stars. Sinc was survived by his wife, Betty Kirst who at the time of his death resided at 450 Spruce Lane, Woodbury, New Jersey.

His wife was listed as next of kin.