Herman Krantz

Herman Krantz departed on Eternal Patrol on May 15, 2010. Herman Krantz joined the U. S. Navy at Washington, DC in 1943.  Prior to World War II, the Department of the Navy, Bureau of Ships (BUSHIPS) employed Herman as an Engineer.  It took Herman 2 years to fight his way out of BUSHIPS.  Once he received his release from BUSHIPS he attended Midshipman School at Fort Skyler, New York. Out of his entire Midshipman class Herman was the only volunteer for submarine duty. He next reported to New London, CT for 3 months of Basic Officer submarine training. He was then stationed in New Hampshire at an ammunition depot.  It was there he received orders overseas to report to Perth, Australia and become part of Submarine Division 121 submarine relief crew.  Herman waited patiently for an opening, until the USS Lapon (SS-260) pulled into Perth for refit.  Then his dream came true when they needed an Ensign.  Herman participated in USS Lapon’s last 3 war patrols.  The Lapon’s first patrol was deemed successful and earned him the coveted Submarine Combat Patrol pin.  Each subsequent patrol was also deemed non-successful for the awarding of the Combat Patrol pin.  Herman ended the war with the Combat Patrol pin and 1 star.  Ensign Krantz was promoted to LT(jg) prior to Lapon’s 8th patrol.  As the USS Lapon was readying for her ninth war patrol the war ended.  Herman was sent to Great Lakes Naval Base for separation. After Herman was separated, he and a friend opened up a manufacturing business. The manufactured coils for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration units.  After spending 22 years in the manufacturing industry he sold the business and retired.  Herman is married and as he put it, “regretfully had no children.” Herman served his country for 31/2 years during one of our countries greatest moments and it was an honor to know him.