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The Fighting Sullivans



In my opinion, there is no war story that is more heart wrenching, or has had quite the impact on me,
than the story of the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa. The true story of losing five sons on the USS Juneau
and how it impacted the nation and changed military policy (pre-private Ryan) has always affected on me —
along with the movie, The Fighting Sullivans, which was nominated for Best Story.
I had heard the movie wasn't shown for years because it wasn't good for morale.
And I remember my mother telling me that people would sit in the theater just weep.
Losing the five Sullivans was recorded as the greatest loss to a single family in American history.

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Below, the letter of condolence from President Roosevelt to Mrs. Sullivan, 1943


Dear Mrs. Sullivan:

"The knowledge that your five gallant sons are missing in action, against the enemy, inspired me to write you this personal message.
I realize full well there is little I can say to assuage your grief. "As the Commander in Chief of the Army and the Navy, I want you to know
that the entire nation shares your sorrow. I offer you the condolence and gratitude of our country. We, who remain to carry on the fight,
must maintain the spirit in the knowledge that such sacrifice is not in vain. The Navy Department has informed me of the expressed desire of your sons;

George Thomas, Francis Henry, Joseph Eugene, Madison Abel, and Albert Leo, to serve on the same ship. I am sure, that we all take pride in the
knowledge that they fought side by side. As one of your sons wrote, `We will make a team together that can't be beat.'
It is this spirit which in the end must triumph.

"Last March, you, Mrs. Sullivan, were designated to sponsor a ship of the Navy in recognition of your patriotism and that of your sons.
I am to understand that you are, now, even more determined to carry on as sponsorer. This evidence of unselfishness and courage serves
as a real inspiration for me, as I am sure it will for all Americans. Such acts of fate and fortitude in the face of tragedy convince me of the
indomitable spirit and will of our people.

"I send you my deepest sympathy in your hour of trial and pray that in Almighty God you will find a comfort and help that only He can bring.

Very sincerely yours,
"/s/ Franklin D. Roosevelt"

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I wanted to share the scene from the movie when Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan receive a personal visit from,not one,
but three naval officers who deliver the news that their sons had died. I'll paraphrase here: Mr. Sullivan (played by Thomas Mitchell) asks, "which one?"
The naval officer (Ward Bond) replies, "All five." The scene is not available on YouTube, at least I couldn't find it, so I'm posting a lighter sequence of the
Sullivans as young boys. Enjoy the clip from this great movie, The Fighting Sullivans, 1944 and the memory of the five Sullivan brothers.



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The destroyer, USS The Sullivans launched in 1943

After the brothers' death, Mrs. Sullivan christened the fletcher-class destroyer USS The Sullivans in 1943.
It was the first of two ships named in honor of the Sullivan brothers.
The second is a destroyer launched in 1995 and remains in service today.

The Sullivan Brothers

Left to right

George Thomas Sullivan, 27 (born 14 December 1914), Gunner's Mate Second Class (George had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Gunner's Mate Third Class.)
Francis "Frank" Henry Sullivan, 26 (born 18 February 1916), Coxswain (Frank had been previously discharged in May 1941 as Seaman First Class.)
Joseph "Joe" Eugene Sullivan, 24 (born 28 August 1918), Seaman Second Class
Madison "Matt" Abel Sullivan, 23 (born 8 November 1919), Seaman Second Class
Albert "Al" Leo Sullivan, 20 (born 8 July 1922), Seaman Second Class