Name: Michael R. PESSOLANO
Rank / Rating: LT.-Lieutenant
Service #: 123426
DOB: Dec 09, 1919
From: Philadelphia, PA
Parents:
Went Aboard: Oct 20, 1944
Age When Ship Went Down: 25 years, 7 months, 21 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Carl Fahnestock (Admin)
Date Posted:

Lieutenant Michael R. PESSOLANO was born on December 09, 1919. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1942. His nickname at the Academy was Dick. Pessolano’s bio in “LUCKY BAG” (1942 United States Naval Academy Yearbook) presented the following key information about him: “Wherever there is any noise around you can find Dick. He has a ready laugh that makes friends and keeps them entertained..”.” (1) View the “Additional Photos” section below to access and read Pessolano’s full entry in the “LUCKY BAG” yearbook. As a United States Naval Academy graduate who served aboard Indianapolis on that fateful last voyage, Dick joined eight other naval academy graduates who also lost their lives as a result of the July 30, 1945 sinking of the ship. The full list of Annapolis graduates who were Lost at Sea on USS Indianapolis includes: Robert Burton Billings, Ensign Edwin Mason Crouch, Captain Joseph Ambrose Flynn, Commander Robert Huntley Hurst, Lieutenant Johns Hopkins Janney, Commander Stanley Walter Lipski, Commander Harold Clifton Moynelo, Jr., Ensign Michael R. Pessolano, Lieutenant James Douglas Spencer, Lieutenant View the “Additional Photos” section below to see pictures and brief information on each of these nine officers. (2) Lieutenant Michael R. Pessolano was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while in Command of a section of two Motor Torpedo Boats. Read the full story by viewing the Silver Star summary that is posted in the “Additional Photos” section below. (3) See additional photo below of Facebook posting of an envelope sent by Pessolano's friend and roommate. Enclosed in the envelope was the last letter written home by Lt John Irwin Orr. Michael Pessolano fulfilled the role of Wartime Censor for his friend John Orr.