Chief Steward

UNITED STATES NAVY

Napoleon Tomas Garcia, the son of Mrs. Rufina Garcia and the late Leonides Garcia, was born on May 22, 1927, in Paranaque Rizal, Philippine Islands.  He attended St. Andrew’s Academy in Paranaque.

At the age of 15, during World War II, Napoleon was captured by the Japanese, but was rescued by guerillas, a short time later.  He enlisted in the Navy in Manila, on November 21, 1945.

During his 18 years of naval service, Napoleon had duty in several ships and at shore stations, including the escort aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Badoeng Strait (CVE 116), U.S.S. Siboney (CVE 112), U.S.S. Sicily (CVA 118) and in the hospital ship, U.S.S. Consolation (AH 15).  During his service, Napoleon had earned the Navy’s Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, a letter of commendation from the commanding officer of the U.S.S. Diablo (SS 479), and a letter of commendation from the commanding officer of the 4 U.S. Naval Air Station at Anacostia.

He volunteered for submarine duty and was accepted for training at the Submarine School, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, New London, Conn.  Successfully completing the course of instruction, he was assigned to his first submarine, U.S.S. Diablo (SS 479).  It was while serving in Diablo that Napoleon earned his silver dolphins when he became qualified as a submariner.

On March 27, 1961, Napoleon was assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).

He is survived by his widow, the former Charlotte Lee Edison of Beckley, Va.; a daughter, Deborah Lynn, both residing in Washington, D.C.  He also leaves his other, seven brothers, and two sisters in Paranaque Rizal, Philippine Islands.