WWII Roll of Honour,
HistoryNT,
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Date
0000-00-00,
Place of enlistment
Massachusetts (USA),
Date of enlistment
1940-03-11,
Nation of service
United States of America,
Service
United States Navy,
Unit
USS William B Preston (DD-344)(AVP-20)(AVD-7),
Rank
Seaman 1st Class,
Service number
201-72-09,
Date of death
1942-02-19,
Place of death
USS William B Preston (DD-344)(AVP-20)(AVD-7),
Place of burial
Sea,
Memorial
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial,
Cultural heritage
American,
Honours and awards
Purple Heart,
Biographical notes
Anthony F. Pidinkowski joined the US Marines in 1934 and was a 1st Class Musician. He was divorced from Bettina Leopard in Florida in 1940.
Pidinkowski is recorded as killed in action, and buried at sea.,
History
Re-enlisted in the Navy on 11 March 1940. Pidinkowski transferred to the Preston on 5 August 1940 as a 1st Class Seaman.
USS William B. Preston was anchored in Darwin Harbour, tending PBY Catalinas, when the Japanese attack began on 19 February 1942. She quickly got underway, zigzagging through the crowded Harbour. Four bombs exploded off William B. Preston's bow, breaking bridge windows. She was then hit near the deckhouse, losing control of her steering and jamming the rudder. The aft living compartment was seriously damaged; the deck house was strafed and her machine guns were out of action. Fourteen men were killed, including two missing and three were wounded.,