06/22/06

Joseph Orleck born at Columbus, Ohio.

06/23/24

Joseph Orleck enlisted in United States Navy.

08/28/28

Joseph Orleck re-enlisted. (USNR)

02/18/30

Joseph Orleck re-enlisted in United States Navy.

03/19/34

Joseph Orleck re-enlisted in United States Navy.

03/08/38

Joseph Orleck re-enlisted in United States Navy.

12/15/38

Joseph Orleck-Acting appointment as Boatswain from 14 Dec 1938. Ordered to U.S.S. LOUISVILLE for duty. Rep., 16 Dec 1938, Det. 23 Dec 1938.

12/16/38

Joseph Orleck-Accepted appointment and executed oath of office.

12/17/38

Joseph Orleck-Ordered to U.S.S. QUINCY for Dec.1938.

01/07/42

Joseph Orleck-Ordered to U.S.S. RAVEN for duty. Rep. 14 Jan 1942, Det. 1 April 1943.

07/23/42

Joseph Orleck-"Appointed by the President on 23 July 1942 to the grade of Ensign, for temporary service, to rank from 15 June 1942.
By Section 5, Act of June 30, 1942 (Public Law No. 639, 77th Congress) appointment regarded as having been accepted for all purposes on 23 July 1942, without formal acceptance or oath of office. Notice of appointment promulgated in Bureau of Naval Personnel Circular letter No. 1 109-42, dated July 30, 1942, File No. Pl4-2(1170)."

12/31/42

"SS LANCASTER stranded on reef off Point El Hank: distress signals sighted."

04/02/43

Joseph Orleck-"Ordered to Service Force, Atlantic Fleet for temporary duty. Reported 1 Apr 1943."

05/01/43

Joseph Orleck-"Appointed Lieutenant (junior grade), for temporary service, to rank from 1 May, 1943.
A1Nav No. 83 dated 1 May 1943. By section 5, Act of June 30, 1942 (Public Law 639, 77th Congress) this appointment not having been expressly declined, is regarded as having been accepted for all purposes on the date made, without formal acceptance or oath of office."

05/28/43

Joseph Orleck-"Commanding U.S.S. NAUSET."

06/07/43

Joseph Orleck-"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY AND MARINE CORPS MEDAL to LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE JOSEPH ORLECK UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in the following Citation:
For extremely heroic and courageous conduct in effecting the rescue of personnel of the S.S. LANCASTER, aground off El Hank at Casablanca, French Morocco, December 31, 1942. In spite of mountainous seas and exceptionally adverse weather, Ensign Orleck took charge of a motor whaleboat and crew of the U.S.S. WAINRIGHT, and successfully completed on trip to the stranded LANCASTER, bringing approximately twelve men to safety. Although his boat capsized during the second trip, he swam to another motor boat and continued directing rescue operations. As a result of his gallant action, twenty persons were saved. For the President, Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy."

06/07/43

Joseph Orleck-"Appointed Lieutenant, for temporary service, to rank from 7 June 1943. Transmittal letter dated 7 June 1943. By section 5, Act of June 30, 1942 (Public Law 639, 77th Congress), this appointment not having been expressly declined, is regarded as having been accepted for all purposes on the date made, without formal acceptance or oath of office. Appointment to terminate date reporting for duty after detachment from duty as Commanding Officer U.S.S. NAUSET."

09/09/43

Joseph Orleck "Officially reported to be missing in action as of 9 September 1943, having been serving aboard the U.S.S. NAUSET when that vessel was bombed by the enemy, and subsequently sank, following an explosion off Salerno, Italy."

09/16/43

ACTION REPORT, USS NAUSET (AT89) SERIAL 001- LOSS OF USS NAUSET (AT89)-SUNK AS RESULT OF UNDERWATER EXPLOSION OFF SALERNO 9 SEPTEMBER 1943. From Senior Surviving Officer (Edwin L. Reel, Ensign D-V(S), U.S.N.R., U.S.S. NAUSET (AT89) To Secretary of the Navy

03/22/44

Joseph Orleck-"The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to LIEUTENANT JOSEPH ORLECK, UNITED STATES NAVY for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NAUSET during the amphibious invasion of Italy on September 9, 1943. When his ship, approaching the assault area in the Gulf of Salerno, was struck by aerial bombs which caused numerous casualties and consuming fires over the entire boat deck, Lieutenant Orleck calmly and expertly directed the fire-fighting activities, the control of serious flooding and the transfer of all survivors to the rescue ships. Valiant and determined in the face of imminent peril, he remained aboard the stricken NAUSET in an attempt to beach her and prevent total loss, working desperately until she struck an enemy mine and sank. Lieutenant Orleck's indomitable fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. For the President, Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy."

09/10/44

Joseph Orleck-"Died-Presumptive 10 September 1944. In compliance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, as amended, death is presumed to have occurred on the 10th day of September 1944. Place: Mediterranean Area. Cause: Enemy Action. Next of Kin: Gertha C. Orleck, Wife, 2300 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina."