Herbert W. Yates
Herbert Wilson Yates was born 7-Mar 1920 in Morehouse, Stoddard County, MO. His father was Elmer Calvin Yates (1890–1972) and his mother was Mildred Lois Minnie Lankford (1889–1979). He had three brothers: John Farrel, William, and Dale. The family lived at 7932 N. Broadway in St. Louis, MO. Herbert graduated from the Baden School.
The family resided near Dexter Missouri before moving to St. Louis. According to the Federal Census, in 1935 he was living in St. Louis Missouri. By 1940, he was living in Norfolk Virginia assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton. He was single. He entered the Coast Guard on 1-Sep 1939.
He died 29-Jan1942 when his ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in the Atlantic near Iceland. The ship struggled to remain afloat for several hours before sinking. More than 100 men were rescued. Twenty-six sailors including MM2c Herbert Yates lost their lives. He remains “Unaccounted, Lost at Sea.” A memorial headstone is in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Section Ma Site 18. Herbert was a Motor Machinist Mate 2 Class. His Service Number was 205493. A memorial service was held at Windsor Methodist Church at 8400 Halls Ferry Road.
Herbert W. Yates was eligible for the following medals and commendations:
- Purple Heart
- World War II Victory Medal
- Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
- American Defense Medal
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
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Survivors being rescued from the DeHaven.
