AMM1c Claude E. Haley served with Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11) from October 1, 1942 until his death on January 9, 1945. The Squadron was land based at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal from April to July, 1943. The Squadron later served onboard the USS Hornet (CV-12) from September, 1944 to February, 1945. On January 9, 1945, while returning from a mission, Claude's TBM-1C Avenger Number:122 was Hit by anti-aircraft fire over the Southern tip of Formosa (Taiwan). The plane made a water landing and two of the three aircrew were seen in a life raft. A submarine was dispatched to the area and no survivors were found. AMM1c Claude Ellsworth Haley was awarded the Air Medal with three gold stars and the Purple Heart.