Sigmond Alman
World War II
Sigmond Almon- US Navy- World War IIA son of Jewish-Russian immigrants, Sigmond Almon grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sigmond possessed an intense desire to join the war and applied to the US Navy immediately after graduating high school in the summer of 1943. After overcoming a medical issue that almost disqualified him for service, Sigmond shipped off for boot camp. Immediately after training, Sig reported for duty at a munitions depot in Hastings, Nebraska followed by a short stint at a naval station at Aimes, Iowa. Both tours were cut short due to personnel conflicts brought on by racism in the senior enlisted ratings.
By mid-1944, Seaman Almon transferred to the aircraft carrier, USS HANCOCK just in time for its departure from Boston to the Atlantic. It was on this ship; Seaman Almon trained to be a Radarman. As with the other units, Seaman Almon’s time on the HANCOCK was short-lived as a serious of fights prompted his removal while in Hawaii. After a short stay, he transferred to the USS INTREPID, where he participated in the Battles for the Philippines and Okinawa.
Immediately after the Japanese surrender on the 2nd of September 1945, he remained onboard the USS INTREPID as it transitioned back to the Atlantic. After a short break on the East Coast, Seaman Almon continued to serve as a part of the skeleton crew that manned the ship as its mission changed from aircraft to personnel carrier. He completed two runs to Italy, where the vessel repatriated Italian prisoners of war and ferried returning American troops home.
Seaman Almon not only served honorably in all three theaters of the war (American, European, and Atlantic) but did so under the constant presence of racism.
Bio prepared by Shannon P. Reck, MMH
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