Introduction
The following information was obtained from various sources on the Internet, including the Department of
the Navy - US Naval Historical Center. To add other information, write to
Lynnita.
The Partridge was laid down as YMS-437 on 3 October 1944 by J. M. Martinac Corp., Tacoma, Washington;
launched 22 April 1945; and commissioned 25 July 1945, Lt. (j.g.) Gilbert Q. McKinley, USNR, in command.
Upon fitting out, YMS-437 reported to the U.S. Pacific Fleet for duty on 16 August. Assigned to the First
Fleet, YMS-437 conducted operations in the Hawaiian Islands area and along the U.S. West Coast. She was
reclassified and named Partridge (AMS-31) 18 February 1947.
Partridge joined the U.S. forces during the Korean War in late 1950. She was ordered to assist in
clearing Wonsan Harbor of mines. The little minesweeper struck a mine and sank 2 February 1951. Eight
of her crew were killed and six were wounded. One died en route to a
hospital ship.
NOTE: Readers should keep in mind that there were two ships with the name USS Partridge. On June
11, 1944, off the coast of Normandy, the original one (USS Partridge ATO-138)was torpedoed by a
German E-boat, killing 35 of the 90 crew members and seriously injuring many of the survivors. USS Partridge
AMS-31 hit a mine during the Korean War.
Casualties of the Sinking of the USS Partridge (8 American fatalities, including four MIA)
- Clark, Lt. jg. Boyers Morgan, USNR. His ship was sunk in enemy action in North Korea, and he was
killed in that action, 02/02/51. Lt. JG Clark was the Commanding Officer. Boyers Morgan Clark Jr.
was born April 18, 1924, in Elkins, West Virginia, the eldest child of Boyers Morgan Sr. and Marian
Robison Clark. As a young man Boyers, who was called “Morgan,” participated in the Boy Scouts, reaching
the rank of Eagle Scout, and was active in the YMCA. He attended Elkins High School and while a student
was president of the Hi-Y Club. He graduated in 1942. He attended Wayne University in Detroit,
Northwestern University in Chicago, and Columbia University in New York as a student of the Navy’s V-12
program and received a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating he was commissioned as an ensign in
the Navy. During World War II, Ensign Clark served in the Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Coral Sea engagements.
After being discharged from the Navy, he enlisted again. On February 2, 1951, he was serving as
commander of the USS Partridge, a minesweeper, when the vessel hit a mine as it entered Kangnung Harbor,
Korea, and sank. At first listed as missing, Lieutenant Clark later was officially listed as dead. His
body was not recovered, and his name is on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
Before his death, Morgan had married Bernice Baker. They became the parents of two children: Cheryl Lee
and Boyers Morgan Clark III.
- Gifford, Clyde Marvin, Brazoria, TX
E3 Gifford, USN, served in the U.S.S. Partridge-AMS-31. His ship was sunk in enemy action in North Korea,
and he was killed in that action, 02/02/51. MIA. He was born February 27, 1929 in Texas, a son of
Scott W. Gifford (1893-1990) and Ethel A. Cross Gifford (1895-1961). His siblings were Mrs. Willis
Gordon (Wanda Lucille) Pruett (1923-2009), DeLloyd Gifford, Thelma Gifford Woodruff, and Venita Gifford
Mitcham.
- Hoschler, Stephen Vincent "Shorty", Akron, IA.
Petty Officer 1C Hoschler (Quartermaster First Class) was born
January 22, 1919, in Akron. He graduated from Akron High
School and then he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1941, a
month before the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. He
served in the Pacific and Asiatic theaters during World War II.
During the atomic bomb tests at Bikini, he served on the
flagship McKinley. He had a service record of nine years
in the Navy.
---
Akron Register-Tribune
February 8, 1951
STEPHEN HOSCHLER IS FIRST AKRON CASUALTY IN THE KOREAN WAR
Navy Veteran Killed When Ship Hits Mine In Korean Waters Friday
"The first casualty for an Akron serviceman in the Korea War was
announced when Mrs. Henrietta Hoschler, of this city was
notified that her son, Stephen V. Hoschler, Quartermaster, first
class, USN, had been killed when his ship, the USS Partridge,
a minesweeper, had struck a mine and sunk last Friday while
conducting and clearing the way for battleship Missouri, off the
coast of Korea, where it has been bombarding Korean ports. Three
other seamen were killed and four others are missing in the
sinking of the Partridge.
Stephen V. Hoschler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hoschler, was born
here January 22, 1919. He graduated for Akron high school. He
enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November, 1941, a month before the
Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, and served in the Pacific
and Asiatic theaters during World War II. During the atomic bomb
tests at Bikini, he served on the Flagship McKinley. He had a
service record of nine years in the Navy. A week ago Mrs.
Hoschler received a letter from Stephen, in which he said things
were getting plenty hot there. The young man last visited home
folks here several months ago.
It is coincidence that Stephen’s cousin, Albert E. Hoschler, for
whom the local Legion Post was named, was the first Akron
soldier killed in World War I, in France.
Surviving Stephen, in addition to his mother [Henrietta Hoschler], are five brothers,
William of Cincinnati, O.; Leo, of Fresno, Cal.; Edward and D.K.,
of Ontario, Cal.; and Lowell, of Akron; and two sisters, Mrs. J.
F. Cheney, of Sioux City, and Mrs. Bernard Callahan, of Elk
Point. The deep sympathy of the community goes out to these
relatives in their bereavement.
A memorial mass was said at 9:00 o’clock this (Thursday) morning
in St. Patrick’s Catholic church, of which the deceased seaman
was a member.
---
- Japanese Mess Boy (#1)- killed instantly while fixing meal in galley
- Japanese Mess Boy (#2) - Killed instantly while fixing meal in galley
- Julian, Scott Milholland Jr. - Born September 2,
1926, Lt. jg. Julian was the son of Scott Milholland
Julian Sr. (1896-1974) and Judith Field Julian (1899-1982) of
Little Rock, Arkansas. He enlisted out of Memphis,
Tennessee.
- Pringle, Theodore Baskerville Jr. "Ted", Marysville, CA
(Yuba County)
E3 Pringle, USN, served in the
U.S.S. Partridge-AMS-31. His ship was sunk in enemy
action in North Korea, and he was killed in that action,
02/02/51. He died while being transferred to a hospital
ship.
- Rapien, William George "Bill", Mt. Healthy, OH. Born January 4, 1929, he was an engineman
(Fireman E-3) on the Partridge when he was killed. He was a son of Frank J. Rapien
(1895-1975) and Marina M. Wolfer Rapien (1896-1962). His siblings were twin Frank H. Rapien
(1929-2009), Mrs. Red (Rose Marie) Meiners (1921-1999), Mrs. William (Dot) Effler, Mrs. Tony (Joan)
Fluegeman, Mrs. Don (Mary Ann) Wertz, and Mrs. Joe (Eileen) Kruse.
- Sisneros, Bennie, Albuquerque, NM
E2 Sisneros, USN, served in the
U.S.S. Partridge-AMS-31. His ship was sunk in enemy action in North Korea,
and he was killed in that action, 02/02/51. He was born December 29, 1928 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. MIA.
He was unmarried.
- Thorpe, Will Roy Jr., Redding, CA
Born on August 15, 1924, Electrician's Mate 1C (EM1) Thorpe
served on the USS General William Mitchell before being
transferred to the Partridge.
Survivors List (There were 20.) List incomplete as of
5/30/2021.
- Amico, Salvatore M. "Sal" - born April 8, 1929, Lynn,
Massachusetts/died December 29, 2012. He was the son of
Michele and Rose Gallos Amico.
- Barrington, Bruce Odean - born March 20, 1924/died
November 16, 1955 in San Diego, CA. Buried in New London,
Wisconsin. He was a World War II and Korean War Navy
veteran.
- Bedrosian, John
- Darcy, FN Pierre Antoine - grievously wounded and lost his
arm that day. Born June 7, 1928, he died November 25, 1976
in Syracuse, New York. He is buried in St. Mary's
Cemetery, Dewitt, New York.
- Fowler, Charles Matthew Jr. - 1st class gunner's
mate. He was married while on survivor's leave.
Later he became an aerospace engineer and helped develop the LTV
A-7 Corsair. He passed away at the age of 70 years.
- Gallagher, John Francis - Scranton, PA - died age 92
- Haines, William D. - Engineman 1c
- Moore, Bob - Estell Manor, NJ
- Polackwich, Joseph J. Jr. - son of Joseph J.
Palakewicz Sr. (1886-1939) and Ulima Parazewicz Palakewicz
(1892-1991). Joseph Jr. was born July 26, 1924 and died
May 10, 1991. The family was from Biddeford, Maine.
His brother was Alphonsus Joseph Polackwich (1921-2017) and his
sister was Wanda Palakewicz (1923-1926).
- Scanlon, Roger - lost his right leg. Was hospitalized
in Oakland for nine months.
- Shewmaker, Robert E.
- Shields, David Harvey - chief boatswain's mate. Born
October 25, 1918 in Rosebud County, Montana/died October 14,
1970, Pierce County, Washington. Enlisted in the Navy
circa 1936, he was a son of Edwin Forest and Edith Brummel Ervin
Shields. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran.
His wife was Lois Shields and his brother was E.T. Shields.
Silver Star Citations
Fuller, Lt. Robert C. Jr.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to
Lieutenant Robert C. Fuller, Jr. (NSN: 0-432656), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action against the enemy during mine sweeping operations at Wonsan in the Korean theater
during the period 10 to 31 October 1950. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Partridge (AMS-31), and
while sweeping enemy mine fields in the face of heavy fire from enemy coast defense batteries, by his
inspiring leadership and professional competence, he contributed directly to the efficient operation of
his ship and the successful clearance of mine free channels and anchorage areas off Wonsan. General
Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1073 (November 17, 1950)
Action Date: October 10-31, 1950
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Partridge (AMS-31)
Haines, Engineman 1C William D.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to
Engineman First Class William D. Haines, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
in action while attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. Partridge (AMS-31) on 2 February
1951. When that ship struck an enemy mine while engaged in minesweeping operations in the Korean Combat
Zone, two men were seriously injured and pinned down in the wreckage of the pilot house. Despite the
short time this type of vessel usually stayed afloat after striking a mine he quickly climbed the
wreckage, and with the aid of another, successfully rescued two men. Not until the vessel began to sink
rapidly did he abandon ship. By his aggressive initiative coupled with complete disregard for his own
safety, Engineman First Class Haines contributed greatly to the safety of his shipmates, and his zealous
devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1221 (August 4, 1951).
Shewmaker, Yeoman 3C Robert E.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1221 (August 4,
1951) The President of the United States of America takes
pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Yeoman Third Class
Robert E. Shewmaker (USN: 3447036), United States Navy, for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while attached
to and serving on board the
U.S.S. Partridge (AMS-31), on 2 February 1951. When that
ship struck an enemy mine
while engaged in minesweeping operations in the Korean combat
zone, two men were
seriously injured and pinned down in the wreckage. With the aid
of another, he successfully
rescued these two men. Not until the vessel began to sink
rapidly did he abandon ship. By
his aggressive initiative coupled with complete disregard for
his own safety, Yeoman Third
Class Shewmaker contributed greatly to the safety of his
shipmates, and his zealous devotion to duty was in keeping with
the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Navy/Marine Corps Medal
Polackwich, Boatswain's Mate 2C Joseph J. Jr.
General Orders: All Hands (December 1953) Boatswain's Mate
Second Class Joseph J. Polackwich, Jr., United States Navy, was
awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism at the risk
of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in rescuing
survivors of U.S.S. Partridge (AMS-31), on 2 February
1951.
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