Monterey Park, CA - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff presented the Purple Heart military service medal to Monterey Park resident and World War II Veteran Robert M. Palomares at the Memorial Day ceremony in Monterey Park today. Palomares served as a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy from November 1942 to November 1944 aboard the USS Antaeus, and the USS Landsdale.
“I am honored to recognize the extraordinary service of Robert M. Palomares by presenting him with the Purple Heart, especially on Memorial Day,”” said Rep. Schiff. "Now, more than ever, it is most important to remember the sacrifices and bravery of America's veterans."
On April 20, 1944 the USS Landsdale was attacked by three waves of German torpedo bomber planes during escort duty in the Mediterranean. Two torpedoes missed, but a third hit the ship, wrecking the forward fire room and opening both sides to the sea. In addition, three merchant ships were hit, spilling burning oil into the water. The Lansdale took a 12-degree list to port, which later increased to 80 degrees. Despite the valiant crew's effort to control the battle damage, the ship's captain, Lt. Cmdr. D.M. Swift, ordered the crew to abandon ship. The ship broke in half and the stern sunk. Seaman Palomares jumped off the ship into the burning oiling water. After spending several hours he was picked up by a U. S. Coast Guard destroyer escort. Forty-seven crew members of the U.S.S. Landsdale were lost .
Mr. Palomares contacted Rep. Schiff's office and Rep. Schiff worked with the Department of Defense to secure the medal. Schiff's district office is available to assist veterans who are constituents in securing medals to which they are entitled. For more information, please call (626) 304-2727.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.