Tube City Almanac

April 28, 2008

S.S. McKeesport Memorial Tomorrow

Category: Events || By

Whatever McKeesport's other fame --- or notoriety --- no name was a more welcome sight to the French suffering under the German occupation in 1940. Wrote Norman H. Davis, chairman of the American Red Cross, to Time magazine:

The S.S. McKeesport, loaded with all sorts of supplies and enjoying safe conduct from the British blockade authorities, is now headed for Marseille where its cargo will be distributed to the millions of refugees and war-wounded in Southern France under the direction of American Red Cross representatives.

In 1945, when the American cruiser USS Pittsburgh was struck by a typhoon and its bow section broke away, wags on board nicknamed the smaller piece the "U.S.S. McKeesport." Both pieces of the Pittsburgh made it safely to Guam.

The real S.S. McKeesport was a World War I-era freight-carrying ocean liner operated by the American Hampton Roads Line through the 1920s and '30s. Along with other civilian freighters, it was pressed into service for the U.S. Navy during World War II.

That's when the McKeesport met a grim fate. On April 29, 1943, while part of a Allied convoy in the North Atlantic, Nazi submarine U-258 torpedoed the McKeesport.

Renowned U.S. naval historian Samuel Eliot Morrison reported that the McKeesport's crew under the command of U.S. Naval Reserve Ensign Irving H. Smith "stood by their guns until ordered to abandon ship" but were unable to spot the U-boat and return fire.

One crewman died of exposure in the icy waters; 68 others were rescued.

As they have for the past several years, veterans, naval reservists and others will gather tomorrow morning at McKees Point Marina, Fifth Avenue at Water Street, to honor the McKeesport with a wreath-laying ceremony.

Events begin at 11 a.m. Music will be provided by the McKeesport Area High School Tiger Band.






Your Comments are Welcome!

Thanks for the coverage Jason. Bob Sokol did a fine job and US Steel, the folks that made and assembled the ship came up big with a substantial presence and donation to the event. Frank Striffler was honored by his daughter Sue and the S.S. Mckeesport Flag being raised in his name.

Other Elected officials in attendance were representatives from Mike Doyle and Sean Logan’s offices, State Reps Kortz and Gergely, County Councilman Bob Macey, Mayor Bob Erkel of Port Vue and Mayor Brewster.

Former County Commisioner Larry Dunn and former City Counclwoman Laura Jenkis were also there.

Cliff Flegal was his usual entertaining self.

The food and fellowship that followed was excellent.

Thanks to all of the volunteers and especially the Veterans who sacrificed so that guys like us could blog our minds.
Paul "Sluggo" Shellly (URL) - April 29, 2008



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