East Orange Youth Gives Life at Sea

The Maritime Commission has notified Mr. and Mrs. William A.
Wittenweiler Sr., 196 Springdale Avenue, East Orange, that their son
William Jr., 20, ordinary seaman, was lost at sea sometime between
last May when he shipped and this month when the family received
word. Rejected by the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard because
he was underweight, Wittenweiler joined the Merchant Marine last
May. He had worked on cruise ships in peace times.

Born and raised in Verona, Wittenweiler moved to East Orange six
years ago and was graduated from East Orange High School. An
ardent fisherman and hunter Wittenweiler was also active in the Boy
Scouts and was Assistant Scout Master of Troop 15 at Central Brick
Presbyterian Church, East Orange. He was past officer of Fidelity
Chapter of Demolay.

Besides his parents he leaves a sister Miss Elizabeth Syne
Wittenweiler of the home address. A memorial service will be held by
Demolay Sunday at 5 P.M. at the chapel of Munn Avenue
Presbyterian Church.

Newark Evening News
Thursday, October 22, 1942
Jersey Mariners Given Hero Awards

Two Essex County Marine Seamen were among 19 New Jersey residents who were awarded
Mariner's Medals posthumously for outstanding bravery last month, the U.S. Maritime
Commission and War Shipping Administration announced today.

The Mariner's Medal, awarded posthumously to A/S William A. Wittenweiler Jr. has been
received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wittenweiler of 196 Springdale Avenue, East Orange.
The Seaman was lost in the Carribbean in August, 1942, when he was 20 years old.

Wittenweiler was born in Verona, going to East Orange in 1937. He was graduated from
East Orange High School before entering the Merchant Marine. Besides his parents, he left
a sister, Mrs. David H. Syme of East Orange.

Newark Evening News
Tuesday, July 17, 1945
William A. Wittenweiler, Jr.


BRANCH OF SERVICE
U.S. Merchant Marine


HOMETOWN
East Orange, NJ

HONORED BY
Merchant Marine Organization    
The goal of this project is to preserve the memory of these heroes and not let
their stories be lost to history.  Their sacrifices should be honored and their
histories should be available to school children and adults to learn about the
heroic Verona residents who came before them. It is vital that friends and
family of these heroes be found, so that they may share pictures, service
records, and other information to add to these stories. If you are a
family member or friend of one of these heroes, or you know someone
who is or may have additional information, please contact:
Robert Caruso
Heritage Preservation Associates
Verona, New Jersey
veronaheroes@heritagepreservation.us
This Website is maintained by
Heritage Preservation Associates
Verona Hero
Merchant Marine William A. Wittenweiler, Jr.
Verona Residence:
17 Sunnyside Place
William A. Wittenweiler, Jr. is
the nephew of Verona Hero Sgt.
Frank G. Wittenweiler who was
killed in action in World War I