William Wagner Papers
Historic Owner
William Wagner
Association
USS Growler (SS-215)
Date1942–1961
PeriodWorld War II; Cold War
Mediumpaper, ink
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of the estate of Barbara Wagner. A2018.88
Object numberA2018.88
DescriptionExtent: 1 folderThe William Wagner Papers include a number of awards, newspaper clippings and service papers, the most significant being a Silver Star Medal awarded to Wagner for his bravery on February 7, 1943. This is the action in which the wounded commanding officer, Howard Gilmore, sacrificed his own life for the safety of his submarine, USS Growler (SS-215).
Envelopes; Stamp Covers (3). Pink envelope that has a seal on the left side with a drawing of a submarine with the number 215 on the bow and sail. Around the image, the words "Commissioning of the U.S. Submarine Growler At the New London Submarine Base" are printed in red. Below it reads "Built By // The Electric Boat Company // Groton, Connecticut // W. Spader".
Service Records
- Standard Statement of Service, December 8, 1949
- Verification of Service, March 9, 1961 (2 pages)
- DD-214 Armed Forces of the United States // Report of Transfer or Discharge, December 31, 1960
- DD-214 Armed Forces of the United States // Report of Transfer or Discharge, September 29, 1953
Awards and Citations
- Commendation, July 28, 1942. From the Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet. Signed by R.H. English, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
- Commendation, October 26, 1942. From the Commander Submarines, Pacific Fleet. Signed by R.H. English, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
- Presidential Citation, Silver Star Medal, no date. Signed by James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy
- Silver Star awarded, October 18, 1945. Signed by L.E. Denfeld
- Permanent Citation – Silver Star Medal, October 27, 1947. From the Assistant Director, Medals and Awards
- Award – Delivery of, Silver Star Medal, November 13, 1945
- Navy Unit Commendation - Award of, November 14, 1946. From the Chief of Naval Personnel.
- First Endorsement; Navy Unit Commendation – Award of, December 2, 1946
Newspaper Clippings
9 newspaper clippings about Wagner, his career and USS Growler (SS 215)
- “‘Take Her Down'! // Navy Honors Four"
- " 'Sub' Skipper // Sacrificed Self"
- "3 Scores // By Sub," May 8, 1943
- "Crash Dive Widow // Gets Top Award"
- "Servicemen's Exploits," Staten Island Advance, 1943
- "Naval Hero // Stapleton // Navy Man // Decorated," July 9, 1943
- "Silver Star Winner Ends Navy Service" by Alan Christofferson, Staten Island Advance, January 23, 1961 (2)
- "Navy Hero Retired in Bayonne," The Jersey Journal, Jersey City, N.J., January 23, 1961
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