Joseph E. Durik

Joseph Edward Durik
Born	9 December 1922 Pennsylvania
Died	15 March 1942
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Naval Reserve
Years of service	January–March 1942
Rank	Seaman Apprentice
Unit	USS Meredith (DD-434)

Joseph Edward Durik (born 9 December 1922 in southwest Pennsylvania), he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 5 January 1942. Apprentice Seaman Durik was killed in action 15 March 1942 following the accidental firing of a torpedo aboard destroyer Meredith (DD-434). For his selfless conduct in giving first aid to an injured shipmate although wounded himself, Apprentice Seaman Durik was posthumously commended by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

Namesake

In 1944, the destroyer escort USS Durik (DE-666) was named in honor of Seaman Durik, sponsored by his mother, Mrs. M. Durik.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.