Purple Heart Walk – Joseph Boeding – Nemaha County Historical Society

Early Life and Family

Joseph Martin Boeding was born around 1921 to Conrad and Mary Boeding of Corning, Nemaha County, Kansas. He was raised in a large and devout Catholic family, alongside his many siblings including Sylvester, Aloysius, Clara, Mary, Lambert, and others. The Boeding family was deeply rooted in the Corning community, and Joseph’s upbringing was shaped by strong family bonds, religious faith, and rural values.

Enlistment and Naval Training (1942)

On July 30, 1942, Joseph Boeding enlisted in the United States Navy. Alongside his friend Glen Coe, he completed basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training School in Illinois. After finishing boot camp, Joseph returned home to Corning for a nine-day furlough before being assigned to one of the Navy’s technical service schools.

By late September, Joseph and Glen had returned to duty. In the months that followed, he continued his training and was selected for advancement, which would lead to service aboard submarines—a dangerous and elite assignment.

Naval Assignments and Service

In January 1943, Joseph was granted another furlough and returned to Corning to visit family and friends. His visit followed a train accident in which he was involved. Though not seriously injured, he quickly contacted his parents to ease their concerns.

Joseph’s early service included duty aboard the USS Sperry (AS-12) in February 1943, a submarine tender supporting fleet submarines in the Pacific.

By October 1943, Joseph had been transferred to the USS Silversides, one of the most successful U.S. submarines of the war. He served there briefly before receiving assignment to a new boat: the USS Trigger (SS-237).

Service Aboard the USS Trigger

From March 1944 through March 1945, Joseph Boeding served aboard the USS Trigger, a Gato-class submarine with a distinguished war record. The Trigger had been commissioned on January 30, 1942, and had earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its successful patrols against enemy shipping in the Pacific Theater.

Joseph served as a torpedoman, a critical role responsible for maintaining, loading, and launching torpedoes—central to the submarine’s offensive capabilities. By this time, he held the rank of Seaman First Class. He rose to the rank of Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class aboard the USS Trigger which (TM3) was operating in some of the most dangerous waters of the war.

Presumed Lost – USS Trigger’s Final Patrol

In March 1945, the USS Trigger departed on what would be her 12th war patrol. She never returned. On July 5, 1945, the U.S. Navy officially declared the Trigger overdue and presumed lost, with all hands aboard. She had been operating near the Ryukyu Islands when she was likely sunk by depth charges dropped by Japanese anti-submarine forces. Approximately 84 crew members perished.

Joseph was just 24 years old at the time of his death. The USS Trigger became the 45th American submarine lost during World War II.

The Navy notified Joseph’s parents in June 1945 that their son was missing. His name appeared in national and local newspapers shortly after, including the Courier Tribune and Sabetha Herald.

Memorial and Legacy

On June 27, 1946, a solemn and beautiful memorial service was held in Joseph’s honor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. The Mass was celebrated by Captain A.A. Boeding, Joseph’s uncle, assisted by several clergy from neighboring towns. The American Legion and Auxiliary led a moving tribute on the church grounds, complete with color guards, salutes, prayers, symbolic shrines, and the playing of taps by Gilbert Jeffrey.

A sailor’s cap rested on a white cross at the temporary shrine, and a symbolic flame represented the eternal spirit of Joseph’s sacrifice. Lieutenant Robert Randel read a eulogy honoring Joseph’s bravery, while Chaplain Bryan Clemens presented the American flag to his mother, Mary Boeding.

Family members came from across Kansas and Colorado to attend the service, including Joseph’s siblings and extended relatives. The event was described as “one of the most beautiful services ever attended.”

Military Service Summary

Name: Joseph Martin Boeding
Service Number: 628 73 56
Branch: United States Navy
Enlisted: July 30, 1942
Rank: Seaman First Class
Assignments:
- USS Sperry (AS-12), Feb 1943
- USS Silversides (SS-236), October 1943
- USS Trigger (SS-237), March 1944–March 1945
Specialty: Torpedoman
Final Status: Missing in action, presumed dead – March 1945
Memorialized: St. Patrick’s Church, Corning, Kansas

Historical Context

During World War II, submarine service was among the most perilous in the U.S. Navy. Though submarines made up only a small portion of the Navy’s fleet, they inflicted tremendous damage on enemy shipping. However, the price was steep—52 American submarines were lost, and thousands of submariners never returned.

The USS Trigger (SS-237) was one of the most celebrated submarines of the war, credited with sinking over 18 enemy ships and damaging many others before her loss in March 1945. Her fate remained unknown until post-war Japanese records confirmed her sinking after being attacked by depth charges.Joseph Martin Boeding’s name is among those commemorated on memorials to the lost submariners of World War II. He is also honored online through projects like On Eternal Patrol, ensuring that his bravery and sacrifice are never forgotten.

SOURCES

Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
14 Sep 1942

Corning Boys on Leave
Corning correspondent]
Joseph Boeding, son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding, and Glen Coe, son of Mrs. Lorene Coe, have completed their basic Navy training at the Great Lakes Naval Training school and are home on leave before beginning Technical training at one of the Navy Service Schools. They enlisted in the navy on July 30 and are home on nine-day leaves.

Corning Gazette (Corning, KS)
17 Sep 1942
page 2

Joseph Boeding who has been home on a nine day furlough from the Naval Training Station at the Great Lakes, left Sunday morning to return to duty. Joe has made the Service School and he does not know where he will be stationed when he reports back.

Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
21 Sep 1942
page 3

Joseph Boeding and Glen Coe who have been home on furlough have returned to duty at the Great Lakes Training School.

Corning Gazette (Corning, KS)
31 Dec 1942
page 3

Joseph Boeding, Great Lakes, Illinois called his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding, Sunday evening. Joseph reports that he was in a train accident, but it was not very serious. He is coming home this week end.

Corning Gazette (Corning, KS)
28 Jan 1943
page 3

Joseph Boeding is now stationed at Treasure Island, San francisco, California

Corning Gazette (Corning, KS)
7 Jan 1943
page 3

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Bussing and children, Axtel, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Gudenkauf and Sons, and Mr. and Mrs. Art Kramer, Seneca came
home over the week end to see their brother Joseph Boeding.

Courier-Tribune (Seneca, KS)
11 Jan 1943
page 6

Corning
Joseph Boeding, Great Lakes Training Station, recently visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding, Clara, Mary and Lambert, also Mr. and Mrs. Gudenkauf and family. Joseph recently was in a train accident and called his parents to relieve their minds as to his safety, but his telephone call reached them before the news of the wreck, in which no one was seriously injured. Joe is another of our boys who is making good in the service. He is now a First Class Seaman.

The Pittsburgh Press (Pittsburg, PA)
5 Jul 1945
page 1

Sub USS Trigger
Presumed Lost
WASHINGTON, July 5 (UP)The Navy today reported that the submarine USS Trigger is overdue from patrol operations and must be presumed lost with all its officers and crew.
The loss brings to 45 the number of American submarines sunk or missing during this war. A submarine of the Trigger type normally carries a crew of 80 to 85 men.
The Trigger’s skipper was Cmdr. David R. Connole, Madison, Ill.
Next of kin of the men lost with the Trigger have been notified, the Navy said.

Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
9 Jul 1945
page 1

Conrad Boeding’s Son Is Missing
Word Came Last Month
To Parents In Corning
Joseph Boeding, torpedo man on a submarine, the USS Trigger, was recently reported missing by War Department. Joseph is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding, Corning, and has been in the navy more than three years, overseas more than a year. He is 24 years old
In addition to their navy son, Mr. and Mrs. Boeding have two other sons in service of the U. S. Army. Cpl. Sylvester Boeding is serving in the European theater of war, has been in Germany and Pfc Aloysius is stationed at Camp Shelby, Miss. Mr. and Mrs. Boeding are hopeful in getting good new’s soon: of them son’s safety.
The “Trigger” was officially listed as over due in daily papers Friday.

Austin American-Statesman (Austin, TX)
5 Jul 1945
page 1

US Sub Sunk, Navy Reports
WASHINGTON, July 5.-(INS)A navy department communique Thursday announced the loss of the USS Trigger, a 1,500-ton submarine completed since the beginning of the war.
Text of the communique follows:
“The USS Trigger, a submarine, is overdue from patrol and presumed lost. The next of kin have been informed.”
The complement of a ship of the Trigger’s class is ordinarily from 80 to 85 men. Commanding officer of the Trigger is Cmdr. David R. Connole. listed as missing as is the remaining members of the Trigger’s crew.
The USS Trigger was authorized in 1940 and commissioned Jan. 30, 1942.
Since the beginning of her period of service the Trigger has performed outstandingly during cruises presumably into the Pacific ocean war zone although exact details are not revealed.
The Trigger was awarded a presidential unit citation for her war work.
Cmdr. Connole was born in Madison, Ill., 1912, appointed to the naval academy in 1932 and commissioned an ensign in 1936.
He was assigned to submarine duty in 1939 and served on the submarine Pompano which participated in the battle of Midway island in June, 1942.
For his services in the submarine fleet Connole was awarded the Silver Star medal. He also held the Presidential Unit citation which was awarded to the Trigger for undersea service.
His wife, Mrs. Vida W. Connole, lives in Annapolis, Md. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Connole, live at 1443 Third street, Madison, III.
T) n loss brought to 45 the number of US submarines lost since the start of the war, including four announced as sunk, two destroyed to prevent capture, and 39 overdue and presumed lost.

_______________

The Sabetha Herald
25 Jul 1945
Page 7

Corning Sailor Is Missing.

Joseph Boeding, torpedo man on a submarine, the USS Trigger, was recently reported missing by War Department. Joseph is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding, Corning, and has been in the navy more than three years, overseas more than a year. He is 24 years old.

In addition to their navy son, Mr. and Mrs. Boeding have two other sons in service of the U. S. Army. Cpl. Sylvester Boeding is serving in the European theater of war, has been in Germany and Pfc. Aloysius is stationed at Camp Shelby, Miss. Mr. and Mrs. Boeding are hopeful in getting good news soon of their son’s safety.

The “Trigger” was officially listed as over due in daily papers Friday.

Courier Tribune (Seneca, Kansas)
1 Jul 1946
page 6

Corning …
A beautiful memorial given in tribute to the memory of Joseph Martin Boeding, son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding was held in St. Patrick’s church at nine o’clock Thursday morning, June 27. Captain A. A. Boeding, on terminal leave, uncle of Joe Boeding, was celebrant of the solemn requiem mass. He was assisted by Rev. Matthew Hall, Seneca, as Deacon; Rev. Joseph Lobeck, Lillis, sub deacon; Rev. F. X. Hubbard, Corning. Rev, Henry Grosdidier, Baileyville gave the sermon in a well delivered manner, The choir, with Dorothy Eisenbarth, pianist, sang appropriate music.
At the close of the services in church, all ajourned tot the south side of the, church where the American Legion and Auxiliary with Commander Mac McAferty in charge, presented an impressive and solemn program. The color bearers advanced and placed the flags in position while the assemblance gave the salute. The songs “The Star Spangled Banner” led by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Randel, with Mrs. Randel accompanying on the piano accordion was sung by the assembly. Chaplain Bryan Clemens offered the prayer. The Commander read the purpose of the gathering and extolled the sacrifice of the one for whom the Legion was paying tribute. The vice-president of the Auxilliary unit, Alice McKinsey, gave the symbolic meaning to the temporary shrine which had been arranged. There was a white cross, on which rested the sailor’s cap The flame, which centered the shrine, was the symbol of the vessel of life, – extending its flame of the eternal existence of the spirit of man,”
The eulogy of Joseph Boeding was read by Lieutenant Robert Randel. The first Vice-Commander, John Henry Eisenbarth read the message of condolence to the family and friends. The song “America, The Beautiful” was sung by Mr. and Mrs Randel.
The firing squad then gave a salute. The pledge to the Flag was then given. Gilbert Jeffrey played taps. Chaplain Clemens then presented the flag to Mrs. Mary Boeding, the mother. The color bearers retired while the gathering stood at salute. The Commander then adjourned the service. It was pronounced by some as the most beautiful service they had ever attended.
Sisters and brothers of Joseph Boeding who were present for the memorial were Mr and Mrs, C. J. Boeding Jr, and Carol Am, Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Buessing, Axtell; Mr, and Mrs. Arthur Kramer, Seneca; Mr. and Mrs Maurice Gudenkauf; also Miss Mary, Miss Clara, Ollie, Sylvester and Lambert of the home
Brothers and sisters of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Boeding Sr. present were Ar. and Mrs. Albert Boeding, Mrs. Lizzie Lierz, Mrs Martin Hilton, Mr. and Mrs. Jo Christman, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Sack, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Boeding, Mr. and Mrs Leo Rilinger, Cyril Boeding all of Seneca; Mrs. Anne Boeding and family, Goff.

Joseph Martin Boeding

Important Dates during his service in the US Navy

July 30, 1942, Enlists into the US Navy – Topeka, Kansas

July 31, 1942, Enters Navy Boot Camp – USNTS Great Lakes. Illinois

September 15, 1942, Reports to Service School USNTS Great Lakes, Illinois

Mid to Late September 1942 Nine Day Leave to Home in Kansas

September 28, 1942, Begins training for Torpedoman’s Mate at Service School,

USNTS, Great Lakes, Illinois

December ?, 1942 Possible Christmas Leave to Home in Kansas

October 6, 1942, Promoted form Apprentice Seaman (AS) to

Seaman Second Class (S2c)

January 11, 1943, Completes and passes Torpedoman’s Mate “A” School at

USNTS Great Lakes, Illinois

January 11. 1943 Completes course book and written test required for eventual

advancement to Torpedoman’s Mate Third Class.

January 13, 1943, Received orders to transfer to Treasure Island, San Francisco,

California for assignment in the Pacific Theater

January ? 1943 Makes stop at his home in Kansas while transferring from USNTS

Great Lakes Illinois to Naval Station Tresure Island, San

Francsico, California

January 17, 1943, Reports in at Naval Station Treasure Island to await orders to the

Pacific

February 16, 1943, Departs Naval Station Tresure Island

February 19, 1943, Reports for duty aboard the Submarine Tender USS Sperry

(AS-12). Sperry was at this time in Pearl Harbor,

Hawaii.

March 1, 1943, Promoted from Seaman Second Class (S2c) to

Seaman First Class (S1c)

October 5, 1943, Reports aboard the submarine USS Silversides (SS-236). This

date corresponds to the beginning of Silversides’

Seventh War Patrol. Sperry at this time was at

Midway while Silversides was in Brisbane, so I am

uncertain how he made that transition.

March 8, 1944, Reports aboard the submarine USS Trigger (SS-237). Trigger at

this time was in Pearl Harbor. Silversides

had just left Pearl Harbor on February 15, 1944, so

I am guessing Joe may have taken a leave in

Hawaii before he reported to Trigger.

May 9. 1944 Qualified for Submarine Duty. Qualified by actual examination. This

may sound strange that he has been serving on two

submarines and only now is qualified, but submarines are unique. In order to qualify all sailors in a submarine must be able to do nearly any main task in the event that another sailor is injured or killed. Thus, any of his shipmates can assume that duty and keep the submarine operational. To become proficient in all of these tasks can take a while.

March 23, 1944, Begins his first War Patrol aboard Trigger (Trigger’s 9^th War

Patrol). Events during this patrol requires

emergency repairs as sea, and will soon require further repairs.

May 20, 1944, Completes his first War Patrol. Receives Commendation from his

Commanding Officer and is made eligible to wear

the Submarine Combat Insignia (with no stars)

May 24, 1944, USS Trigger leaves Pearl Habor to return to San Francisco for

a major overhaul probably to fix the damage

sustained during the 9^th War Patrol and for

additional upgrades.

May 31, 1944, Trigger arrives in San Francisco

May or later 1944 Joe takes a leave and makes his last visit home in Kansas. He

also visits his brother Edward and family in Iowa.

From all accounts after the events of the Trigger’s

9^th War Patrol Joe used this trip to let his family

and friends know that “I probably won’t see you

again”.

September 5, 1944, Promoted from Seaman First Class (S1c) to Torpedoman’s

Mate Third Class (TM3). Eligible to sew on his

Petty Officer Third Class “Crow”

September 11, 1944, Trigger returns to Hawaii

September 24, 1944, Trigger begins 10^th War Parol

November 17, 1944 Trigger concludes 10^th War Patrol and returns to Guam

December 29, 1944 Trigger begins 11^th War Patrol

February 3, 1945 Trigger concludes 11^th War Patrol and returns to Guam

March 11, 1945 Trigger has a new Commanding Offier, Commander David R.

Connole and it begins its 12^th and final War

Patrol

April 20, 1945 Trigger and all aboard declared Missing in Action by the Navy

Department

April 21, 1946 Joseph Martin Boeding declared deceased by Navy Department as

no official or unconfirmed reports that he

survived, because his name did not appear on any lists or reports of personnel liberated from Japanese prisoner of war camps, and in view of the length of time that elapsed since he was reported as missing in action

U.S. Navy Muster Rolls
Joseph Martin Boeding 628 73 56

USS Sperry (AS12) July 1942
USS Silversides (Flag) Sept 1943
USS Trigger March 1944 – thru March 1945

USS Trigger Links
USS Trigger (SS-237) Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Trigger_(SS-237)
On Eternal Patrol – USS Trigger (SS-237) https://www.oneternalpatrol.com/uss-trigger-237.htm
Trigger (SS 237) – Naval HIstory and Heritage Command – https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/u/united-states-submarine-losses/trigger-ss-237.html
THe Loss of USS Trigger (SS-237) – Submarine Force Library and Museum Association – https://ussnautilus.org/the-loss-of-uss-trigger-ss-237/
USS Trigger (SS-237) (+1945) – Wreck Site https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?132363
USS Trigger (SS-237) San Diego, CA – Maritume Monuments and Memorials on Waymarking.com – https://waymarking.com/waymarks/wmT2V3_USS_Trigger_SS_237__San_Diego_CA
USS Trigger – Submarine Memorial.org – https://submarinememorial.org/lostboatsfinished/ss237trigger.html