Navy

Unsung Heros – The Arctic Convoys of WWII

January 15, 2026 by denisefrisino Leave a Comment

Unsung Heros – The Arctic Convoys of WWII

At age sixteen, most are concerned with getting their driver’s license, insuring them the much anticipated – freedom of the road.

However, in 1941, at sweet sixteen, George Forbes had just completed his first year of England’s Merchant Naval College and was heading to war.

Born in Perth, Scotland on January 6,1925, George’s family moved to England when he was a child. A strapping athlete and quick witted, he did not turn down the unexpected opportunity presented to him by the Royal Navy (RN) in 1941.

Britain was in a quandary. Recruiting for unarmed cargo ships to run the dangerous gauntlet through the Arctic, delivering much needed supplies to Russia in keeping with the Land-Lease Act of 1941, proved challenging for, what was at the time, the strongest navy in the world, the Royal Navy. Considered a “suicide mission,” few stepped forward. As an enticement, the RN offered George, and some of his classmates, the ability to receive their “commission” immediately and finish their second year of merchant college by correspondence aboard ship.

After training as a gunner, in 1942, George found himself on the Dutch cargo ship, Pieter De Hoogh. The Netherlands, having been invaded by the Germans and officially surrendered on May 15, 1940, kept what remained of their fleet in England, serving as reinforcement for the Allies.

“It Was Hell.”

War is never simple or a straight line. Like the ships in a combined fleet, it zig-zags, unable to avoid the unthinkable.

As Junior Office George Forbes’s cast off on his maiden voyage, a voice from the dock shouted, “You don’t need a life jacket. You need a parachute in case you get hit. You’re carrying high explosives!”

Undaunted, the cargo ship sailed toward its rendezvous with Convoy P-14 in Reykjavik, Iceland. Their ultimate goal; the port at Murmansk, the Soviet Union. However, shorthanded, the Pieter De Hoogh did not sail when Convoy PQ14 set out but waited dockside for more sailors to join their ship.

Finally, with Convoy PQ16, accompanied by Allied escorts for protection, the Pieter De Hoogh set out into waters rife with German submarines, the threat of German Luftwaffe, a sun that doesn’t set in the summer, the “midnight sun” eliminating the protection of dark skies, and a shorten distance between land masses and enemy fortresses in the winter, then when ice melted in the short summer months, wider sailing channels. There was also the weather and the rough seas to take into account. An estimated 3,000 sailors and merchant marines met watery graves attempting these sailings during the course of the war.

In March of 2019, I was lucky enough to spend time interviewing George. He relived many memories including how, on his first voyage, their engine stalled. The ship went dead in the water, leaving them alone for 24 hours, an easy target. Luckily, they managed to go undetected.

George manned his gun day and night. They would bring him ½ cup of hot coco to keep him alert. Nearing their destination the Allied protection of armed vessels, aircraft, and submarines, was pulled away. “You’re on your own.” the dismal report came across the water, as their “protection” set off in the hopes of sinking two German battleships. The convoy was told to scatter or travel in smaller groups. Terrifying at best, they moved across the open waters. At times, fog was their friend, concealing them from the enemy.

Drawing closer to Russia, they were attacked by three German Stukas. The De Hoogh was credited with shooting down two aircraft. George believes he hit one of the two that fell from the sky during that attack.

He told me the one thing he will never forget was the horrifying sound of the German Stuka dive bombers as they attacked. He imitated the whirling sound made by the fitted wind driven sirens affixed to their aircrafts landing gear, the “Jericho Trumpets”, a terror tactic of the Germans.

“I watched as the ship on the right of us was hit and sunk. Then they hit the one on our left, but somehow, we sailed right though.” Though animated in his description of the miracle of survival, a cloud of sadness reflected in his eyes. “It was hell.”

The memory of war never evaporates for those who fought for our freedom.

Preparing for the return trip, the captain of the Pieter De Hoogh asked the Russians for ammunition. They refused. Hearing the need, another British ship gave them supplies. Cargo ships were a sought-after target, constantly under attack, not only going to Russia, but on their voyage back to England, the journey was perilous. Then, they would fill their hulls with lifesaving supplies and set sail – time and time again.

The second Dutch cargo ship George would sail on was the Stad Maasluis. Ironically, even though paid through the Royal Navy, George would never sail on a British flagship.

Over his five years of unfaltering service, George would acquire several languages, mostly due to the routes his cargo ship would take. Besides Dutch, he learned French, Portuguese and Italian. His medals reflected the various shores he visited.

Medals from Around the Globe

When looking through the many medals in George’s shadow box, one ribbon is surprising. While these ribbons and medals hail from the Royal Navy, the Italian Star, the 1939 to 1945 Star, the Atlantic Star, the War Medal, the Arctic Star, the France and German Star, the Africa Star, the Russian Ushakov medal – including a letter from V. Putin -, one ribbon is from the US Navy! The US Navy unit commendation ribbon. As it so happens, later in the war, depth charges were put on the cargo ships, then manned by trained US Allies brought aboard ship.

Also of note, the white beret, which George proudly wears. This particular cap can only be worn if one served in the Arctic during WWII.

The Du Ruyter Medal, named in honor of the 300^th birthday of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, was established by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in March of 1907, for outstanding service in the Dutch Merchant fleet.

Honored at age 100

84 years later, on December 18, 2025, representatives from the Dutch Merchant Navy would converge in Lynnwood, Washington to present Jr. Officer George Forbes their most valued award, one only given by royal degree, the Du Ruyter Medal.

A surprise to George, his son, Ian, other family members, and those of us honored to be included, waited in silence along with the dignitaries who had flown in for the occasion: Hubert Hijgh, President, Dutch Merchant Navy Personal 1940-1945 Foundation and Willem Schonenbert, Treasurer, Stichting Liberty ship, both traveled from the Netherlands carrying the Du Ruyter gold medal, Captain Erik Jan Looman, Naval and Defense Attache, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Washington DC, and Consul-General Theo Peters, from San Francisco.

The excitement in the room was rewarded when George stepped inside and was greeted by the esteemed representatives gathered. When introduced, George’s first words were,

“I’m the only living member of the Dutch Merchant Navy from WWII.”

Their answer sent laughter through the crowd. “We know. That’s why we’re here.”

As the ceremony began with the recounting of George’s incredible contribution to the war efforts, he looked down the long table in subdued disbelief. However, he was quick to correct or add to portions of his 5 years of service. His prerogative at age 100! When the Du Ruyter gold medal was pinned on his jacket, his humble acceptance was awe inspiring.

Willem Schonenberg, Consul General Theo Peters, George, Captain Eric Jan Looman and Hubert Nijgh

On January 6^th, 2026, George turned 101 years old, just weeks after receiving his new medal.

George maintains his sharp wit, along with the memories, and still finds comfort in a simple cup of tea.

A round of applause is due to members of American Legion Post 227, Captain Doug Cerretti and Larry Fisher, both US Air Force retired, for submitting George’s name and accomplishment to the Netherlands. A zoom call followed and the lengthy process for awarding the Du Ruyter Medal was rushed through. Thank you to all who participated in the incredible moment Jr. Office George Forbes was rightfully honored.

Over my last 13 years of research for my books on WWII, I’ve interviewed over 60 men and women veterans from that long, bloody conflict. George, a rarity at 101, is the only giant of that era still living.

Thank you, George, and all those who fought beside you, for the freedom we enjoy today.
Your remarkable courage must never be forgotten. We hold you forever in our hearts.

Four Chaplains, One Heroic Mission

February 1, 2023 by denisefrisino Leave a Comment

Four Chaplains, One Heroic Mission

“Chaplains risk and give their lives along with the troops,” Daniel Poling, pastor of Grace Baptist in Philadelphia, told his son. Daniel knew full well, having served as Chaplin during WWI.

Yet, First Lieutenant Clark Vandersoll Poling of Ohio did not heed his fathers’ wise words. On June 10, 1942, just shy of his 32nd birthday, he joined the U.S. Army’s 131st Quartermaster Truck Regiment as their Chaplain representing the Reformed Church in America.

Alexander D. Goode (PhD), born in New York, also followed in his father footsteps when he became a Rabbi. At first, rejected as Chaplain by the Navy in early 1941, he was accepted by the Army after the Japanese attacked the U.S. on December 7th. On July 21, 1942, First Lieutenant Goode was assigned as Chaplain to serve with 333rd Fighter Squadron.

At age 17, George Lansing Fox lied about his age, left Lewiston, Pennsylvania ending up a medical corps assistant on the Western Front During WWI. His bravery would lead to being honored with the Silver Star, Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre.

Upon his return, George completed high school, then university, before entering the Boston University School of Theology. He was ordained a Methodist minister in 1934. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fox volunteered and was accepted by the Army in July of 1942. On the same day his son, Wyatt, enlisted in the Marine Corps, August 8th of that year, George reported to active duty and would be assigned Chaplain for the 411th Coast Artillery Battalion.

Father John Patrick Washington of New Jersey began his Catholic priesthood in 1935. Athletic, intelligent, he sought to do more for his country and entered active duty May 9, 1942. Named the chief of the Chaplains’ Reserve Pool, in Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, he was attached to the 76th Infantry Division.

Essential training

As fate would have it, these four men of varying faiths, all studied together at the Army Chaplains School at Harvard University. The training lasted five weeks before they were shipped back to their company. During their time spent at Cambridge the Chaplains courses covered: map recognition, first aide, including finding soldiers with simulated wounds and treating them, grave registration and reports, writing letters of condolence, calisthenics, gas mask drills, and military law.

The position of Chaplain was so important that a 43-minute film starring Ronald Reagan as a Chaplain was produced in Hollywood in 1943. For God and Country combines a rich cast to depict this selfless and critical component of “sky pilots” who would give solace and encouragement to the U.S. military units fighting

Getting to the Front

In 1942, The SS Dorchester, a passenger steamship, was requisitioned by the US War Shipping Administration for the use of transporting Army troops. This ship held over 900 men traveling to their fate in Europe through dangerous waters known to be scattered with German submarine wolf packs.

In January of 1943, the Four Chaplains met again in New York City. They were to board the SS Dorchester and, along with five other ships, were to head to Army Command Base at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland.
In the early morning of February 3, 1943, at 12:55 a.m., the German submarine 223 torpedoed the bow of the Dorchester. The impact caused an immediate loss of steam, which in turn hindered the signal, six blast of the whistle, to abandon ship. Communication was destroyed and, at first, no flares could be deployed. The list to the port side prevented the lowering of some of the lifeboats.

In the 27 minutes before the Dorchester sank in the frigid waters, the Four Chaplains helped those trapped below calmly reach the deck and into life preservers.

Two of the accompanying U.S. Coast Guard cutters, the Escanaba, and the Comanche, hurried to rescue those who had donned life vests. However, men became so stiff in the icy waters they could not grasp the cargo nets to be rescued. Members of the Escanaba employed a new “retriever” technique where men in wet suits swam to the soldiers, tied a rope around them, pulling them to safety.

Just before the ship slipped to its watery grave, it became apparent there were not enough life vests for all the 902 aboard.

The Four Chaplains, without hesitation, gave up their own life preservers to four young men. Witnesses described the Four Chaplains, standing arm in arm at the railing, singing hymns and praying as they went down with the ship.

As I swam away from the ship, I looked back. The flares had lighted everything. The bow came up high and she slid under. The last thing I saw, the Four Chaplains were up there praying for the safety of the men. They had done everything they could. I did not see them again. They themselves did not have a chance without their life jackets.
— Grady Clark, survivor

Of the 902 men on the SS Dorchester only 230 survived in what was to become the worst single loss of any American personnel of any U.S. convoy during WWII.

While the Four Chaplains posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart, they did not qualify for the Medal of Honor as they had not served in combat. However, Congress, moved by the Four Chaplains courage, created a specific medal for them with the same weight and honor. They were also honored in 1948 with a commemorative postage stamp.

Although First Lieutenant Poling did not heed his father’s words, it is impossible to know how many lives he and the other three men of the cloth helped save that dark early morning as they guided and prayed for those fighting for their lives.

The Immortal Chaplains, who gave four young men the gift of life, should be celebrated not only on February 3, but everyday as examples of unselfish sacrifice and bravery defending our country.

Veteran’s Day – A Time To Give Thanks

November 10, 2021 by denisefrisino Leave a Comment

Veteran’s Day – A Time To Give Thanks

You might not recognize them walking the street, sitting beside them in at a church service, or quietly reading in a retirement home. A veteran’s response to duty is their own story, sometimes shared, other times very private. Yet, their sacrifices provided us our freedom.
Veteran’s Day is set aside to honor all who have served or are still serving in the Armed Forces, young and old, who have dedicated themselves to defend our country. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who fell in battle, Veteran’s Day has a broader meaning allowing for recognition of service men and women with parades, free meals in some restaurants, etc. and, above all, thanks.

I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity over the last eight years to interview so many veterans, especially from WWII.
They came from all stations of life to serve, and their contributions should never be forgotten.

Marshall Soria was a family man, age 24, when in July of 1944 he entered the army, having become a US Citizen that previous September. In fact, when he arrived in Fumay France, in January of 1945, he was held back one day from the 6th Army, 110th Infantry Division, because he lacked proof of citizenship. Once all paperwork was in order, he joined his 3rd Battalion, 3rd Squad and took up his BAR Rifle to fight in the bitter cold Vosgas Mountains near the German border. Just issued one pair of boots, Marshall, like so many that fought that record setting winter in the Battle of the Bulge, suffered frostbite, but refused medical attention. He celebrated his 100th birthday in June of 2020.

Also participating in that long and deadly battle was Ken Huseman who at 19 was a member of the 8th Armored Division nicknamed the “Thundering Herd.” Their tactical call sign, “Tornado,” was later referred by a Newsweek journalist as the “Iron Snake” referring to their appearance in March of 1945 as they crossed the Rhine River. This group of young soldiers would go on to liberate a sub camp of Buchenwald, Halberstadt-Zwieberge.

Barney McCallum, grew up in Davenport Washington, part of the wheat belt of the Columbia Basin. His older brother was already in the service, so Barney couldn’t wait to join the US Navy. While engaged in the battle of Okinawa his ship took aboard Japanese prisoners, transporting them to Hawaii. In the two years he spent in the Navy, all but two months of that time were aboard ship docking at ports across the Pacific.

I would be remiss if, on this day of saluting those who served, I did not mention my father, Second Lieutenant Joseph C. Frisino, US Army Signal Corps. Dad was already in the service about to be discharged when WWII broke out. He liked to tell us he, “Did four years of overtime.”
After Pearl Harbor Dad’s unit was sent to Alaska to build the Alcan Highway in the freezing Alaskan winter. Next, he was sent via Northern Africa to the jungles of Burma. His first night in his tent he awoke to 25 uniquely colored frogs in his boots and hopping about. Constantly under Japanese sniper fire, he also had to be conscious of the dangerous jungle wildlife. In fact, he sent home a 15-foot python skin of the snake that attempted to slither into his tent when he was writing home to Mom.

Although all but Marshall have left us, we must continue to hold their stories close.

A salute to the next generation, especially Petty Office First Class Lew.