We are sorry to note that World War II Submariner Andy Palenchar passed away on February 19th. Andy qualified in submarines on USS Finback (SS 230) in 1943. During the 9th war patrol he was the sailor who hoisted LTJG George H. W. Bush aboard Finback after the future President had been shot down in the Pacific. Andy left the Navy after the war but later joined the Army reserves. He was activated for the Korean conflict and remained on active duty serving in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1978.
Andy was a proud submariner. He was active with the Rocky Mountain Base of US Submarine Veterans. In spite of being recently hospitalized he still attended the February Submarine Veterans. He was a great supporter of USS Colorado. He spoke at our History Colorado event in July 2015 and pinned on dolphins for SN Brayden Kane of PCU Colorado in a ceremony held at the State Capitol in December of that year. Always with a twinkle in his eye and a great sea story to tell, he was an incredible person. His service in the Army in both Korea and Vietnam was nothing sort of amazing. He was a true Patriot and will be missed by all who knew him.
