Max Silverstein

Max Silverstein was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 15, 1911.

Navy career
Silverstein was appointed midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy on June 18, 1928. He was commissioned ensign on June 2, 1932 and went to sea in USS Chester (CA-27) on the 26th as an aircraft gunnery observer.

He was promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade) on June 2, 1935 and subsequently served in Chaumont (AP-45), USS Tattnall (DD-125), and Seattle (CA-11). After being promoted to lieutenant on March 13, 1940, later changed to date from August 1, 1939, Lt. Silverstein reported for duty as Engineer and Damage Control Officer in USS Sims (DD-409).

Awarded the Silver Cross
On May 7, 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Sims came under aerial attack. Though knocked unconscious by the first bomb, Lt. Silverstein quickly recovered and “coolly directed the securing of the boilers, the jettisoning of topside weights to preserve stability and the preparations for repairs to save the vessel from sinking.” Lt. Silverstein died soon thereafter when Sims sank. For “his relentless determination and inspiring heroism. . . ,” Lt. Silverstein was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal.

Namesake
Silverstein (DE-534) was laid down on October 8, 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts; launched on November 8, 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Ruth B. Silverstein; and commissioned on July 14, 1944, Lt. Comdr. F.A. Reece, Jr., USNR, in command.