PAUL W. PINSON, LTJG, USN
Paul Pinson '44
Lucky Bag
From the 1944 Lucky Bag:
Paul Walker Pinson
Williamson, West Virginia
No one could ever prove that "Governor" trudged all those weary miles from West Virginia to Crabtown, but if such were the case, it would only exemplify his determination to become a good naval officer. He was soon proving himself quite proficient in everything that he undertook. Books held no terror for him, and he always found time for extra reading. Pinson was the man to see if one needed a helping hand. Though he boasted of being a woman-hater, those who believed it did not know the facts. Pinson is serious about the Navy—submarines in particular—and those who know him are confident of his future successes.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Paul Walker Pinson
Williamson, West Virginia
No one could ever prove that "Governor" trudged all those weary miles from West Virginia to Crabtown, but if such were the case, it would only exemplify his determination to become a good naval officer. He was soon proving himself quite proficient in everything that he undertook. Books held no terror for him, and he always found time for extra reading. Pinson was the man to see if one needed a helping hand. Though he boasted of being a woman-hater, those who believed it did not know the facts. Pinson is serious about the Navy—submarines in particular—and those who know him are confident of his future successes.
The Class of 1944 was graduated in June 1943 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
Paul was lost on April 7, 1945 when he fell overboard from USS Cabrilla (SS 288) off the coast of Hokkaido, Japan while attempting repairs on the boat.
Other Information
From Find A Grave:
Lieutenant, Junior Grade , Paul W. Pinson MIA/KIA Hometown: Williamson, West Virginia Ship: USS Cabrilla (SS-288) Service # 0-282865 Location: 41-40 N, 144-52 E, off Kurile Islands Cause: Lost overboard
Cabrilla made her seventh war patrol in vicious weather in the Kurile Islands of northern Japan.
Lieutenant JG Pinson was engaged in making repairs by order of the Commanding officer. The night was dark, the sky was overcast. A moderate sea caused the vessel to roll about five degrees to each side. Ice may have been on the deck, but none had been observed. Water temperature was 30 degrees F., air temperature, 32 degrees F. The deceased was walking aft toward the bridge. Shortly thereafter, the officer-of-the-deck heard him cry out. Recovery maneuvers were initiated at once. A search was unsuccessful. The deceased was dressed in heavy arctic clothing.
Cabrilla (SS-288) was launched 24 December 1942 by Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery, Maine; sponsored by Mrs. L. B. Combs; commissioned 24 May 1943 and reported to the Pacific Fleet. Her last patrol found her on lifeguard duty for aviators downed at sea while carrying out attacks on Japan.
Note: Entered the service from West Virginia.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
In 1930, his father James was a salesman for a retail grocery.
Paul has a memory marker in West Virginia. He was survived by his sister, Mrs. Frances Anne Pinson.
Photographs
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