USS Kalk (DD-611)

Stanton Frederick Kalk, born 14 October 1894, in Ala., graduated from the Naval Academy in 1916. After serving in Florida (BB-30), he was assigned to Jacob Jones (DD-61) 10 September 1917. While steaming on patrol duty from Brest, France, to Queenstown, Ireland, Jacob Jones was attacked 16 December by German submarine U-53. Although Kalk, officer-of-the-deck during the attack, "took correct and especially prompt measures in maneuvering to avoid the torpedo," the destroyer could not turn in time to escape. She sank stern first in 8 minutes. Though stunned by the explosion and weakened by his action after the ship went down, Kalk swam from one raft to another in an attempt to equalize weight on them. Displaying "extraordinary heroism," he disregarded his own condition while endeavoring to save the lives of his men. Game to the last, Kalk overtaxed his own strength; he died from exposure and exhaustion. For his "splendid self-sacrifice" Lt. (j.g.) Kalk was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

The second Kalk (DD-611) was laid down 30 June 1941 by the Bethlehem Steel Co., San Francisco, Calif.; launched 18 July 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Flora Stanton Kalk, mother of Lieutenant Kalk; and commissioned 17 October, Lt. Comdr. C. T. Singleton, Jr., in command.

Following shakedown along the California coast, Kalk departed San Francisco 28 December for patrol and escort duty in the Aleutians. Steaming via Dutch Harbor, she arrived Adak 9 January and patrolled from Adak to Amchitka Island. On the 16th she embarked 185 survivors of SS Arthur Middleton and Warden (DD-352) which had foundered in am Arctic storm. She transported them to Adak, then continued intermittent patrols until she sailed 26 February for home, arriving San Francisco 4 March.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (Kalk II (DD-611)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.