Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1942 Lucky Bag:

ALAN EDWARD GERNHARDT

Gem, Al

Fencing 4, 3, 2, 1, fNt; 2/c P.O.; 3 Stripes.

Cheerful, industrious, always ready for work or play, Alan has been invaluable as a “wife.” Days and years have passed since we first met him, and those years have brought to Alan knowledge, experience, and that most valuable possession, friends. Judging from the good start he has made, it looks as if Alan is headed for that select group who merit a “Well done, Admiral!”

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The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

Loss

Alan was one of 57 men lost aboard USS Smith (DD 378) on October 26, 1942 when the ship was heavily damaged by attacking aircraft while screening USS Enterprise (CV 6) and USS Hornet (CV 8). The ship was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for her action that day.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Alan graduated from Maine Township High School in 1938. High Honor Roll 1, 2, 3, 4; President of Student Council 4; Class secretary 3; President of Historical Society 3.

Alan married Harriett Geisenhoff on July 23, 1942, at St. Peter’s Chapel at Mare Island. She was the daughter of Commander Arthur Cooper Geisenhoff, and she was grandniece of Admiral Philip H. Cooper and Col. Oliver H. Cooper. Alan’s best man was Lieut. Frank Rile (‘38,) and a group of shipmates ushered.

His father Edward Raymond Gernhardt, a real estate appraiser, served in the medical corps in WWI and was past commander of the Des Plaines post of the American Legion. His mother was Gertrude, and his sister was Lois.

His wife was listed as next of kin. He is listed at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Photographs

From his high school yearbook

From the Lucky Bag