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Waterloo, Iowa had a population of less than 50,000 in 1942. Among that number were the eight members of the Sullivan family who lived at 98 Adams St. Thomas F. Sullivan, the head of the family, worked for the Illinois Central railroad. He was named after his grandfather who had been born in Ireland. Tom Sullivan married Alleta Abel in 1914 at St. Joseph’s Catholic church. As was typical of Irish-Catholic families of that generation, they lost no time in starting a large family. December 14, 1914—George Thomas February 18, 1916—Francis Henry February 19, 1917—Genevieve Marie August 28, 1918—Joseph Eugene November 8, 1919—Madison Abel July 8, 1922—Albert Leo April 1, 1931—Kathleen Mae (Died of pneumonia 5 months later) "This is a true story." What follows is the account of five young men named Sullivan. They enjoy a typical all-American small town childhood as they share youthful adventures and mischief. The Sullivans go fishing and boating. They worship in church. They boyishly slide down the banister of their house and squabble among themselves and with others. Their hardworking father tries to set for them a good example. Their mother cooks their meals, cleans their clothes and mediates their differences. The years pass too quickly and the Sullivans become young men. They date and go to dances. One of them falls in love and marries. Then terrible news comes, on December 7, 1941. The Japanese have launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. America is at war. "Its always been the five of us," one of the Sullivans proclaims. So they join the navy to do their patriotic duty. 
They were among the most famous of all the fighting men of World War II. The five Sullivan brothers, serving together in the Pacific, symbolized America's commitment to winning the war. But their deaths caused outrage and forced the military to change longstanding policies that allowed a family to lose an entire generation at once. On Friday, November 13, 1942, a Japanese torpedo struck the USS Juneau at Guadalcanal. Hundreds of sailors were left bobbing in shark infested waters, waiting for rescue. Most of them, including all five Sullivan brothers, died. The True Story Of The Fighting Sullivans revisits that fateful day with the help of Frank Holmgren, the last crewmember of the USS Juneau to be rescued. It sheds light on the decisions that conspired to create the tragedy, one of the most infamous disasters of World War II.  The Fighting Sullivans (Photo Album) | |
