Algerd John Rasimas
CEM Algerd John Rasimas ” v:shapes=”Picture_x0020_2″>Algerd “Al” John Rasimas was born 29-Aug 1915 in Cleveland Ohio. The family later moved to St. Louis MO.
Editor’s note: His name is also shown as “Alfred” in some records.
His father was Michael Julius Rasimas (1888–1949) and his mother was Beterne Biruta Puchin Pacinaitis (1888–1968). He had one brother: Albin. According to the Federal Census, by 1920 the family was living on Mecklenburg Avenue in St. Louis. By 1930 according to the census, they were living at 5538 Gresham Avenue in St. Louis MO. At the time, Algerd was 14. Algerd attended Cleveland High School. The 1933 yearbook byline for Algerd “Al” says, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” He belonged to the Chemical Club.
After high school Algerd joined the Navy. His service number was 3368046.
On 20-Apr 1939 he was shown mustered aboard the SS Holland AS-3. Holland was a submarine tender that served in the United States Navy before and during World War II. At the time he was an Electrician Mate 2c. On 6-Jun 1939 he was shown mustered aboard the USS Argonaut Ss-475. He was now an Electrician Mate 1c.
On 10-Jan 1943 he was Killed in Action, Missing, lost at sea, sunk by surface attack and depth charges.
Five St. Louis men perished on the Argonaut. The Post-Dispatch reported on 16-JUN 1943 that the Argonaut “Accepted destruction rather than surrender.” The article went on to say, the Navy Department “paid high tribute to the courage and self-sacrifice of the Argonaut men.”
The St. Louis men who perished on the Argonaut included:
- Motor Machinist Mate William Edward Vierling
- Seaman Thomas A. Narrow Jr.
- Torpedoman Fred Edsel Schempp
- William H. Myers Jr.
- Electrician Mate, Alfred John Raismas
For more of the story, click on the pdf below.
KIA -Algerd John Rasimas Argonautt
