Clarence Alvin Wise
Clarence Alvin Wise was born January 10-Jan 1922. His father was Frederick Albert Wise (1902-1969). His mother was Lena Virginia Jamison (1907–1984). He attended the Wade School. His occupation before he entered the Navy was punch press operator.
Clarence enlisted in March of 1939. His service number was 410-52-25. He was mustered aboard the USS Chew at Pear Harbor Hawaii. He married Margaret Sutton in about 1940.
He was a Petty Officer 3c and Fireman 3c when he was killed 7-Dec 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was 19 years old. His parents last heard from him when they received a Christmas card on December 16th.
On a Report of Changes, (After action report) Clarence was noted to be “Missing since bombing raid on Navy Yard. Assumed to be a casualty.”
As it was written by the Commanding Officer this note is as follows:
U.S.S. Chew (DD-106)
Pearl Harbor, T.H.,
December 10, 1941.
FROM: Commanding Officer
TO: Commandant, 14th Naval District
SUBJECT: Air Raid Attack by Japanese – Report On
- It is reported that this ship, berthed at X-Ray 5 on Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, opened fire on attacking Japanese planes with one 3″/23 caliber 0803. At 0811 two 50 caliber machine guns were placed in action. Fire was maintained continuously until 0934, when the third wave of attacking planes left the area.
- One direct hit was scored by the 3″ gun crew, disintegrating a plane in mid-air. The firing and the hit was observed by the Executive Officer, as well as a number of enlisted personnel. Two other hits were scored, one demolishing the tail assembly of a plane. No hits were observed from the 50 caliber fire.
- A total of 28 depth charges were dropped on eight different supersonic contacts in the area south-west of entrance buoy. Evidence indicated that two submarines were sunk.
- One casualty was suffered by this ship. Matthew J. Agola, S.2c., USNR, was killed during the action while engaged in rescue work on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania.
- One man is missing: Clarence A. Wise S.2c., USNR.
He is Memorialized in Honolulu the Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii. His remains were unrecoverable.
Clarence Alvin Wise was eligible for the following medals:
- Purple Heart
- Combat Action Ribbon
- World War II Victory Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation
- Navy Good Conduct Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
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