Quick Facts
Biography
Alvin Lee Marts, born 4 August 1923 at Wilsonville, Nebraska, enlisted in the Navy at Denver, Colorado, 2 July 1941.
United States Navy career
He served on USS Yorktown (CV-5) and survived her loss following the Battle of Midway. Transferred to USS New Orleans (CA-32), Marts served in the heavy cruiser as a fireman, second class. During the protracted struggle for control of southern Solomon Islands, an American cruiser and destroyer force, including New Orleans, Louisiana, fought Japanese destroyers in Ironbottom Sound late 30 November 1942.
Awarded Navy Cross
Early in the Battle of Tassafaronga, New Orleans took a torpedo hit in her port bow which exploded two magazines and blew off the forward part of the ship back to No. 2 turret. Assigned to the forward battle repair party, Marts was gravely injured by the blast and fires. However, in complete disregard for his own safety, he assisted in carrying an injured medical officer to the battle dressing station amidships where he collapsed from loss of blood and exhaustion. He died from his wounds shortly afterward. For extreme gallantry and self-sacrificing devotion to a stricken comrade, Marts was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.
Namesake
USS Marts (DE-174) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 8 August 1943; sponsored by Miss Betty Marts; and commissioned 3 September 1943.