George Lambert

George strode out of Louisiana to satisfy his dreams at Annapolis. He was a friendly young man, staying in his room only when required to be there. Wherever he went, one would find a laughing group exchanging stories. His social activities were legendary.

George served five years aboard the PENNSYLVANIA until 1940 when he returned to coach football at Annapolis.

When the war began, George was made Gunnery Officer of the destroyer EDISON and guarded Atlantic convoys for a year. Then he was promoted to Executive Officer on the destroyer BUCK DD420 which supported the invasions of Italy and guarded convoys in the Mediterranean.

On Aug. 3, 1943 the BUCK sank the Italian submarine ARGENTO off Sicily and rescued 46 of her crew. This scene shows George and other officers interrogating captured crewmembers who were happy with their treatment and seemed glad the war was over for them.

Two months later on the night of October 9th, the BUCK was chasing the German submarine U-616 at high speed near Salerno. In desperation the fleeing sub fired a new secret weapon - an acoustic homing torpedo - from a rear tube. A direct hit near the bow sank the BUCK in four minutes, killing 166 of the 260 men onboard.

Captain Klein and Executive Officer George Lambert went down with the ship.George was survived by his widow, Marie Louise.

George Lambert while at the US Naval Academy

             "Beppo"

(From the 1934 year book)

Out from Louisiana’s swamps and bayous and toward the Naval School on the Severn strode lean and hungry George Lambert. On his way he satisfied his hunger, filled out his leanness and was in great shape for Plebe Summer. He has kept in shape ever since, only breaking training between seasons to walk extra duty. Beppo is a friendly sort of fellow. He is only in his room when required to be there. His entire leisure time is spent visiting friends in the local or foreign Batts in the successful pursuit of friendship and enjoyment. Wherever Beppo is, is a laughing group exchanging humorous incidents. As a result of his social activities Beppo is undoubtedly the most prolific spreader of bad dope in ’35.

(A boxing clipping)

   Here is Midshipman George ("Scrappy") Lambert, star light heavyweight and football guard of the Naval Academy team. Scrappy is a knocker-outer of the first water and moves right into action no matter how torrid it is. He packs the twilight sleep in either mitt. He was recently elected Captain of the Navy’s boxing team. Coach Spike Webb, his ring mentor, opines "Every enlisted man in the Navy should be   proud of Midshipman Lambert; he’s from the ranks. " Midshipman Lambert hails from Robeline, La. Won 14 out of 18 fights for the Navy. Upon enlisting Midshipman Lambert went through the Naval Training Station at San Diego. From there to the USS Medusa and thence to the Naval Academy Prep school at Hampton Roads.