Name: Frederick Joseph GERNGROSS Jr.
Rank / Rating: ENS-Ensign
Service #: 383530
DOB: Nov 05, 1922
From: Philadelphia, PA
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Gerngross, Sr.
Went Aboard: Oct 14, 1944
Age When Ship Went Down: 22 years, 8 months, 25 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Marilyn N. Henry
Date Posted: Jul 30, 2025

Ensign Frederick J. Gerngross, Jr. was previously listed as Missing in Action in the sinking of the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis CA-35. In a second telegram received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Gerngross living at 810 E. Unruh Street, they were informed that their son was now listed as presumed dead with his body being unrecoverable. They were informed only that he died somewhere in the Philippine Sea. Ensign Gerngross, who was serving as an engineering officer, was a graduate of Villanova College and LaSalle College High School. He had been commissioned at Annapolis three years earlier. A brother, Joseph, age 20, was in the Navy V-12 enrolled at Villanova at the time of Fredrick’s tragic death. Frederick was survived by two siblings; Joseph Gerngross and Margaret Gerngross.