Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries, Memorials, and Death Notices



The Teague Chronicle - Thursday, January 25, 1945 Page: 1

MAURICE TALLEY
 Son of Pioneer Teague Residents Is Killed In Action

  Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Talley of Teague received a telegram from the Navy Department 
Jan. 10, 1945, stating that their son, Alton Maurice Talley, Fireman first class, 
U. S. N. R., had been killed in action while in service for his country in Ormoc 
Bay, Philippine Islands. Dec. 3.
  A graduate of Teague High School May 28, 1943, he was 18 years of age, and had 
a smile for everyone, and was loved by many friends who join his loved ones in
mourning his brave death.
  The following official letter was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Mathew J. Talley, 
Teague, Texas, dated Jan. 19, 1945. It is concluded: Very sincerely, Mell A. 
Peterson, Commander, U. S. N., Commanding U. S. S. Cooper, and follows:
  Dear Mr. and Mrs. Talley, 
  It is with very great sorrow that I write you concerning the death of your son, 
Alton Maurice Talley, Fireman first class. He was initially listed as missing, but
a review of the facts has led to the conclusion that Alton was killed in action.
  On the night of 2 December 1944, the U. S. Cooper proceeded with two other 
destroyers to Ormoc Bay to seek out and destroy Jap shipping. From about 11:00
to 12:00 we were under constant attack by enemy planes. A few minutes past midnight 
the Cooper made her first surface contact and we opened fire immediately. After
assisting one of the other destroyers in sinking a Jap ship, we shifted to a 
second target and while firing at hit by what I think was a torpedo. The torpedo 
hit in the engineering spaces on the a terrific shock was throughout the ship as
she listed to forty-five degrees immediately. The ship sank very quickly and about 
one half crew were lost.
  At the time of your son was station at an ammunition supply point. This was
torpedo explosion and as a result he must have been instantly killed. Your son
was a fine boy and greatly admired by his shipmates. We must carry on the struggle
to preserve the ideals for which he so valiantly gave his life. Memory of Alton
is an inspiration for all of us who knew him. He was courageous, reliable and 
performed his duties in accordance with the highest traditions of the Naval service.
I am proud to state he was a credit to his home and to his country.
  On 3 and 4 Decemeber Catalinas Flying Boars rescued the survivors from Japanese
held Ormoc Bar. The area in which the Cooper was sunk was thoroughly searched and 
as you recall, since about 7 December the surrounding shores have been in the 
hands of friendly forces. My words cannot lighten the burden which is yours, but 
I hope knowledge of Alton's splendid service and devotion to duty will give you
some comfort and courage. To bring you this sad news is very hard, but it is not
fair that you should maintain hope when the facts indicate none should exist.
  P.S. Dear Mrs. Talley, 
  Your letter of 6 January concerning your son has been referred to me today. I
have been writing the relatives of all of those who were lost with the ship and 
I hope the above letter will answer your question.

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The Teague Chronicle - Thursday, January 25, 1945 Page: 4

CARD OF THANKS [TNANKS, sic in original]
  We wish to thank each one of our dear friends for their loving kindness and 
sympathy and for each card and letter of sympathy we have received during our dark
hour of sorrow. May God Bless each heart that has remembered us in our sorrow.    
   Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Talley. 27f