Joseph E. Durik

Joseph Edward Durik was born 9 December 1922 in southwest Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 5 January 1942. Apprentice Seaman Durik was killed in action 15 March 1942 following the accidental firing of a torpedo aboard destroyer Meredith (DD-434). For his selfless conduct in giving first aid to an injured shipmate although wounded himself, Apprentice Seaman Durik was posthumously commended by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

Namesake
In 1944, the destroyer escort USS Durik (DE-666) was named in honor of Seaman Durik, sponsored by his mother, Mrs. M. Durik.