Elwin William Sigler

Rank/Rate:             Motor Machinist’s Mate, First Class

Service Number:      03821051

Birth Date:              January 26, 1920

From:                     Los Angeles, California

Decorations:           Purple Heart

Submarine:             USS Argonaut (SS-166)

Loss Date:              January 10, 1943

Location:                Near Rabaul (050 155’N, 1530 50’E)

Circumstances:       Sunk by surface attack and depth charges

Remarks:                Elwin was born in Jefferson, Iowa, USA

A special thanks to Paul W. Wittmer for compiling this information in order to honor our fallen soldiers. (www.oneternalpatrol.com)

Elwin William Sigler was born in Jefferson, Iowa January 26, 1921 to Bertha Mae Livingston and Matson Sigler.  Soon after Elwin was born his mother and father went there separate ways. Elwin visited many family members over the next 20 years but most of the time he spent with his Mom.

He was re-united with is older brother Milo in Los Angeles, California in 1937. 

Like many brave American’s Elwin joined the Navy because we were under attack. He gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free.

On the 10th of January 1943 Argonaut spotted a convoy of five freighters and their destroyer escorts.  An Army aircraft was by chance flying overhead and witnessed Argonaut's attack.  Argonaut hit at least one of the destroyers with her torpedoes, and they promptly counter attacked. A crewmember on board the plane saw Argonaut's bow suddenly break the water at an unusual angle.  It was apparent that a depth charge had severely damaged the submarine.  The destroyers continued circling Argonaut and pumping shells into her.  She slipped below the waves and was never heard from again.  One hundred and five went down with the submarine.  Her name was struck from the Navy list on 26 February 1943.

The USS Argonaut was built at Portsmouth Navy Yard in Kittery Maine and launched 10 November 1926.