Mack Ellis Willis

Conflicts & Campaigns

• Pacific
• On November 20, 1944 the USS Mississinewa (AO-59) with 440,000 gallons of aviation gasoline and a full load of fuel oil, was anchordes in Urushi Anchorage. At 04;54 am, a Kaiten manned torpedo piloted by Ensign Imaanishi is launched from the Japanese submarine I-36. At 5;45 am the Kaiten explodes against the USS Mississinewa. 63 men died in the attack. The USS Munsee was involved in the rescue of the crews. and was able to extinguish the fire which had raged to flames over 100 foot high. About 09;00 the ship turn over and sank. The AO- 59 was the first of only two ships sunk by the Kaiten torpedoes.

Significant Duty Stations

• Radio School, US Navy Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland.
• USS Munsee (ATF-107)

Decorations & Citations

• Navy Commendation Ribbon; Citation reads ... For outstanding performance of duty in fighting fire aboard a United State ship (USS Mississinewa AO-59). On 20 November 1944. He completely and fearlessly exposed himself to great personal danger by boarding the stricken vessel despite explosions of ammunition and terrific heat. As a member of the fire fighting party he refused to leave the burning vessel until all hope of saving her was abandoned and she had commenced to sink. He displayed exceptional courage and determination. His conduct was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service. Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars
• Philippine Liberation Medal; World War II Victory Medal

Notes

Born; Elba, Alabama. Graduate of Cairo High School Class of 1943. Was on the island of Saipan when the war ended. He had met up with Sergeant Joseph Henry Connally USAAC, also of Cairo. Joe was assigned as crew member of a B-29 bomber that was to fly over the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay. Joe sought and got permission for Mack to go along. Owner of Willis Motor Company, Bainbridge, Georgia. Mayor of City of Bainbridge, Georgia at time of death. Burial; Oak City Cemetery, Bainbridge, Decatur County, Georgia. Son of Private Ebb Franklin Willis US Army and brother of CWO John B. Willis US Navy. Burial; Oak City Cemetery, Bainbridge, Decatur County, Georgia.