William Rye Stubblefield lost his life on the USS Savannah off the coast of Salerno, Italy. He was buried at sea at Malta. He is memorialized at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy.
Son of Charlie H. Stubblefield and Mollie Dora Tate.
The Chattanooga Daily Times, 1 December 1943
William Rye Stubblefield, gunner’s mate third class, was killed in action aboard the U.S.S. Savannah when that vessel was damaged by the Germans off the coast of Salerno Sept. 11, it was learned yesterday. Previously reported missing in action, Stubblefield’s death was confirmed by the navy in a message to his mother, Mrs. Mollie D. Stubblefield, 3209 Dodds Avenue. He was buried at sea off Malta, the message said. Stubblefield, who attended East Lake Grammar School, is survived by his mother; a brother, Buford Stubblefield, overseas in the United States Navy; a sister, Mrs. Velma Holland, 3209 Dodds Avenue, and a half-brother, Sherman Stubblefield of Rossville.
- Rank: Gunnersmate Third Class
- Date of birth: 7 November 1914
- Date of death: 11 September 1943
- County: Hamilton
- Hometown: Chattanooga
- Service Branch: Navy
- Division/Assignment: USS Savannah (SL-42)
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XI, Middle Panel
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