"Dad's correct spelling of his name was Silva, however the Navy somehow got an (i) stuck in the back of his name and all of his documents had the name (Silvia) on them.  He decided, after he had finished his tour in the Navy before he was discharged, he would get it changed back.  Unfortunately he didn't get to that.  Also, the last mission of the Snook was going to be his last tour and he could come home for good.  He wasn't supposed to go on that last mission because he had gotten his hand caught in one of the hatches and nearly cut his ring finger off.  The Navy Surgeon had him suspended from duty till his hand healed.  The Snook was going to leave in 2 days for that last mission and Dad begged the Dr. to let him go so he could go home after it was over.  Finally the Dr. gave in and let him go.  As you know the Snook left Guam on their final mission and had to turn around and go back for repairs.

 

One of the sub tender repairmen that worked on the Snook was from Bartlesville, OK, Dad's hometown.  He knew the Snook was Dad's sub and told my mother, after he returned from the war back to Bartlesville, that the Snook was in no shape to go back to sea because it was literally coming apart.  He said they patched it up the best they could but it should have never left.  Mom's friend got really upset when he told her.  He didn't know if Dad was on the Snook at that particular time.  It was such a hurry up job he didn't see hardly any of the crew.  Thanks."

Son: Ben Silvia - ben@pdrx.com