Francovish APD-116

Francovich

Albert Anthony Francovich, born 23 January 1920 at Shamokin Pa.' enlisted in the Navy 8 March 1939.

As an aviation machinist's mate first class with a patrol squadron in the Solomons Operation, he was killed in action 6 September 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his great heroism in standing to his gun although mortally wounded in an engagement with a Japanese four engined seaplane.

The name Francovich was assigned to DE-379 on 31 May 1944, canceled on 6 June 1944.

(APD-116: dp. 1,390; 1. 306'; b. 37', dr. 12'7"1 s. 24 k; vpl. 204; a. 1 5"; cl. Crosley)

The first Francovich (APD-116) (ex-DE-606), was reclassified 17 July 1944, launched 5 June 1945 by Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard, Hingham, Mass., sponsored by Mrs. Mary F. Edmunds, sister of Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class Francovich; and commissioned 6 September 1945, Lieutenant Commander M. Maclean, USNR, in command.

After her shakedown training, Francovich arrived at Green Cove Springs 18 November 1945 to give assistance in the inactivation of ships being readied for reserve there. She was placed out of commission in reserve at Green Cove Springs 29 April 1946.