From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Stephen William Groves, born 29 January 1917 in Millinocket, Maine after a brief period of enlisted service was appointed Aviation Cadet 15 February 1941. Ens. Groves was a member of Fighter Squadron 8 (on Hornet) during the epochal Battle of Midway. He hurled his fighter into a mass of Japanese aircraft threatening American carrier formations. Groves successfully pressed home his attack against desparate [sic; desperate] odds, thereby playing a key role in this decisive battle before he was presumed dead the next day, 5 June 1942, and received the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism.

Groves (DE-543), a John C. Butler-class escort vessel, was building at Boston Navy Yard, but was cancelled 5 September 1944.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)