Joseph Orleck: The Namesake of the USS ORLECK
Taken From: USS Orleck (DD886): The History of the Ship, Her Namesake, and the Men who Proudly Served in Her by Robert L. Orleck
Very little is known about the early life of Joe Orleck. Joe was the son of a Russian immigrant junk collector, Maximilian Orleck, and his wife Rebecca. They fled Russia around 1904 to seek a better life in the United States. Two years after their arrival, on 22 June 1906, their first son Joseph was born to them at Columbus, Ohio. Then came three brothers, Phillip, Louis, and Benjamin, and a sister, Ethel.
The year 1924 marked a major turning point in Joe’s life. His father died and Joe enlisted in the Navy. Joe had fourteen years of continuous enlisted service having re-enlisted at each appropriate time, one of those times being in the Naval Reserve. From 14 December 1933 as Boatswain, Ensign on 15 June 1942, to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on 1 May 1943 then to Lieutenant on 7 June 1943, Joe rose through the ranks to become Commanding officer of the USS NAUSET.
Most of what we know about Joe Orleck comes from historical accounts in the United States Naval records starting with his 1924 initial enlistment. When appointed Boatswain he was ordered to the USS LOUISVILLE and shortly thereafter to the USS QUINCY where he spent approximately three years. When commissioned Ensign he was ordered to the USS RAVEN and it was during this time that he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Medal from the President of the United States for what is described 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. WAINWRIGHT and successfully completed one 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.”
On 2 April 1944 he was ordered to Service Force, Atlantic Fleet for temporary service. Then, Joe Orleck took command of the recently commissioned USS NAUSET on 28 May 1943 at Mers-el-Kebir, Algeria. Less than four months later he was engaged in a battle for his life and the life of his ship. Both went down on that fateful day, 9 September 1944. For his ultimate sacrifice he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
For extraordinary heroism in action as Commanding Officer of the USS 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.
Lieutenant Joseph Orleck was officially reported missing in action 9 September 1943 and according to law was presumed to have died on 10 September 1944. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal, and the Purple Heart.
On 8 January 1945, it was recommended that the name ORLECK be given in honor of the late Lt. Joseph Orleck, USN. Ralph A. Bard, Acting Secretary of the Navy, approved the request on 11 January 1945. USS ORLECK (DD886) was launched 12 May 1945. Thus began the 37 year history of a mighty war ship named after an unlikely hero. Where else but in America could someone from such humble and foreign beginnings have the honor of a mighty destroyer being named for him. The ship and the name she carried brought a feeling of pride. The officers and crew spoke as if Lieutenant Orleck was an active member of the ORLECK wardroom and involved himself in the daily operations of the ship. Joe Orleck’s example and their feeling about him and their ship inspired the men of the ORLECK to serve their country proudly. USS ORLECK (DD886) became a symbol of excellence in her performance as all who came in contact with her would testify.
Joseph Orleck Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
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06/22/06 |
Joseph Orleck born at Columbus, Ohio. |
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06/23/24 |
Joseph Orleck enlisted in United States Navy. |
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08/28/28 |
Joseph Orleck re-enlisted. (USNR) |
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02/18/30 |
Joseph Orleck re-enlisted in United States Navy. |
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03/19/34 |
Joseph Orleck re-enlisted in United States Navy. |
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03/08/38 |
Joseph Orleck re-enlisted in United States Navy. |
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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. |
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12/16/38 |
Joseph Orleck-Accepted appointment and executed oath of office. |
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12/17/38 |
Joseph Orleck-Ordered to U.S.S. QUINCY for Dec.1938. |
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01/07/42 |
Joseph Orleck-Ordered to U.S.S. RAVEN for duty. Rep. 14 Jan 1942, Det. 1 April 1943. |
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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).” |
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12/31/42 |
“SS LANCASTER stranded on reef off Point El Hank: distress signals sighted.” |
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04/02/43 |
Joseph Orleck-“Ordered to Service Force, Atlantic Fleet for temporary duty. Reported 1 Apr 1943.” |
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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.” |
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05/28/43 |
Joseph Orleck-“Commanding U.S.S. NAUSET.” |
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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.” |
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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.” |
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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.” |
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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 |
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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.” |
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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.” |
Mother never told of Joe Orleck’s death!
by Robert L. Orleck
What does a mother feel when she sends her eighteen year old son off to a career in the United States Navy? What are her thoughts when a World War erupts and her son is out there facing challenges on the open seas? What does she feel when a month or so goes by and she does not hear from him? Does she worry and think the worst? What if he doesn’t come home to her after the war is over but only writes? No phone calls, just letters. What if he doesn’t return for a visit for the last thirteen years of her life and all she has are the few letters and gifts from overseas. This is what happened to Mrs. Rebecca Orleck of Los Angeles, California whose son was Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, namesake of USS ORLECK (DD886). You might say that he wasn’t much of a son for not having come back home once during that time to visit his ailing mother. But you need to know the rest of the story.
I was reluctant to include what some might think are personal family matters in this history. However, since the story has appeared in several magazine and newspaper articles I felt it was fair to comment on what transpired.
What actually happened was that Joe’s sister and brother decided to keep their brother’s death a secret from their mother and they lied to her for those 13 years.
Mrs. Orleck had a bad heart and her children felt that it was in her best interests healthwise to keep the news from her. They went to the extreme of writing letters and sending gifts in his name. It happened and it is history, but one cannot help but question whether they did the right thing.
Did Rebecca know as mothers do that something was terribly wrong and that she would never see her son again? Did she suffer more from not knowing everything than if she did know? Was it right for her to be denied the knowledge of her son’s heroic efforts at Casablanca and during the invasion of Italy? Was it right to keep her from experiencing the honor of having a United States Naval Vessel named after her son? Was it right to keep his death from her?
In an article, KEPT ALIVE BY LIES, in the American Weekly the article begins by stating: “A hero is dead in the war. The news might kill his mother. What would YOU do?” In the article Ethel Orleck indicated that for nearly 13 years because of the fragile health of her mother that “By every device of kindly deception, I kept Joe alive for my mother’s sake over all these years.” Then when Rebecca’s son Ben also died 12 years after Joe’s death and about a year before she died, Rebecca was told by Ethel that “Ben had been in ‘an accident’ and had decided to go to a Kentucky hospital, because Louis (another brother) ‘would be close there.’”
Was it the right thing to do? “What would YOU do?” Some people cannot go on after the death of a loved one. They just die of a broken heart. But in most cases, especially with those people who have a strong faith, they get through it. As hard as it is to believe at the time, those feelings of loss heal somewhat. At times even good comes from what was seemingly a totally worthless and tragic situation. One could hardly argue that anything good could have come out of Joseph Orleck dying on that day in 1943. But Joe in his death has established a legacy for the future that resulted in not only a gallant ship with his name but a feeling of pride and loyalty by the men who served on his ship for their country.
In the last sentence of the above mentioned article, Ethel asked if she did right. There are some people who die, having wasted their life, and there is little to remember. Yet there are some lives that after they end are celebrated because of what they did accomplish and the celebration comes in the memories of those that are left behind. Joe led such a life. He was a fine person, a hero and a credit to our country. In asking the question even Ethel must have had doubts. If wrong, she was most likely driven by a misguided love of a daughter for her mother.
An interesting side story was revealed by John Marshall Prewett, Attorney at Law (Retired). In a letter he wrote the following:
“I read of the proposed reunion of the U.S.S. ORLECK (DD 886) and it brought back some memories. We were operating out of San Diego. I went to L.A. for the weekend. I caught a cab, and I noticed that the driver’s identification said his name was Ben Orleck. So, I told him there was a destroyer in the squadron by the name of ORLECK. He did not know about the ship, but told me the story of his brother Joe Orleck’s heroic actions for which he had received decorations posthumously, in the Navy, at (I believe) the Anzio landing.
So, I wrote down his name and address, and when I got back to San Diego I went to the ORLECK and read about who it was named for, and it was the same information that Ben Orleck had told me. So, I wrote to him about it, and told the captain of the ORLECK. I had told Ben Orleck that it was probably a different guy because the Navy would have notified next of kin if there was to be a ship named for him. Ben Orleck said that the family had not had good relations with Joe Orleck’s widow, and had no contact with her for sometime…I ran into the officer who relieved me some time later, and he told me that the Navy had just notified next of kin who was Joe Orleck’s widow, and she had not notified his mother and brothers and sister.”
At first it may be difficult to understand the motives for Joe Orleck’s widow, Gertha, not notifying the brothers and sister, but a very logical reason stands out once the facts of the deception are known. If the lie was to be maintained then Ben and Ethel Orleck probably went out of their way to keep Gertha from talking to or seeing Joe’s mother. It is easy to understand why communications might have been severed. If this be so, then the deception affected many people and also kept Joe’s brothers and sister from celebrating his heroism and remembrance by his country. It kept a grieving wife from comforting and being comforted. And it is most sad indeed that Mrs. Orleck did not get to experience the pride and joy that she would have gotten knowing that her son did such heroic acts for his country and his country recognized and honored him in the way it did. “What would YOU do?”