Joseph “Joe” William Roberts was born at Soddy, Tennessee, the son of Joseph J. Roberts and Iva Hazel Cox. He was married to Margaret Elizabeth Davidson.
ID: O-146117. Killed in Action, died in a plane crash.
Memorialized at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia
Steaming as before, At 0250 changed course to 100 – (T). At 1110 TBF-1c, Bu. No. 47673 piloted by Joe William Roberts, Ensign, AVN 146117 crashed over the port quarter after giving himself a wave off. Two 350 pound depth charges set for twenty-five feet were armed by the crash and exploded, killing the pilot and destroying the plane. The radioman and the gunner were rescued by the U.S.S. Terbell with minor injuries. At 1250 sighted GUS 26 on course 280-(T) and pursuant ot CinClant 092012 of January. 1944 commenced support of convoy. Remained in sight of GUS 26 throughout the day.
The Chattanooga Daily Times, 23 January 1944
Lt. (jg) Joe William Roberts, navy airman, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Roberts of Daisy, was killed in a plane crash while on duty in the North Atlantic, his wife, Mrs. Margaret Roberts was informed by the Navy Department.
Lt. Roberts was a native of Daisy, attended Chattanooga High School and the University of Tennessee. He was a former employe of SOuther Ferro-Alloys Company. He entered the navy about two years ago and served as instructor at the naval training station at Norfolk, Va., prior to being assigned to combat duty. Lt. Roberts had been assigned to the Pacific fleet until three months ago, when he was transferred to the North Atlantc theater of operations. Survivors are his wife; his parents and a sister, Mrs. George Brown, Waterport, N.Y.
The official telegram to Mrs. Roberts, signed by Adm. Jacobs, chief of naval personnel, read: “The Navy Department regrets to inform you that your husban, Lt. (jg) Joe William Roberts, USNR, was killed in a plane crash while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country. The department extends to you its deepest sympathy in your great loss. On account of existing conditions, the body, if recovered, cannot be returned at present. If further details are received you will be informed. To prevent possible aid to the enemy, please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.
- Rank: Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Date of birth: 23 June 1920
- Date of death: 10 January 1944
- County: Hamilton
- Hometown: Soddy Daisy
- Service Branch: Navy
- Theater: North Africa
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XII, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Joe W. Roberts
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