Rest In Peace - Captain Joseph E. Bonds, USN

It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Captain Joseph E. Bonds, USN (ret).

Captain Bonds served aboard Razorback during World War II. He made the fourth and fifth war patrols as an Ensign, then stayed aboard for five years after the war. He was a Lieutenant (Junior Grade), and was serving as the acting Executive Officer by the time he transferred off.

We were lucky enough to sit down with Captain Bonds last year and record an oral history from him. The audio file, along with a transcript, is available on our website, on the "Oral History" Page.

Captain Bonds passed away on 28 August, 2011 after a short battle with brain cancer. There was a memorial service held on 26 September at the Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra, FL.

The family did report that Captain Bonds greatly enjoyed his visit last year.

The photograph was donated by Captain Bonds and shows Razorback, with her two 5" deck guns, shortly after World War II.