Briefing Document: Roy Robley Little - US Navy, USS Monssen

Subject: Summary of the life and military service of Roy Robley Little, with a focus on his involvement in WWII.

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt of biographical information detailing Roy Robley Little's life and military service.

Main Themes:

Early Life and Family: The document outlines Roy Little's early life, noting his birth in Texas in 1921, the early death of his father, and his subsequent upbringing with his mother and stepfather. This provides some context of his family background in the lead-up to military service.

Naval Enlistment and Training: It documents his enlistment in the US Navy in 1939 and highlights his training experiences in California and Washington, and his movements between the USS Virginia and the USS Monssen. This details his path in the Navy and preparation for combat.

Combat in the Solomon Islands and Death: The core of the text details the combat engagement in which Little participated, his role on the USS Monssen, and the circumstances surrounding his death during the Battle of Guadalcanal, specifically off the coast of the Solomon Islands.

Posthumous Recognition: Details how he was officially declared dead a year after the battle and how he is memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery.

Key Facts and Ideas:

Birth and Family: Roy Robley Little was born on September 7, 1921, in Cisco, Texas. His parents were Frances Roena Huestis and Robert Roy Little. His father died when Roy was young, leading to his upbringing with his mother and stepfather, A.V. Ashburn.

Enlistment and Early Service: Little enlisted in the U.S. Navy on December 12, 1939, in Dallas, Texas. He trained in California and Bremerton, Washington. He served on the USS Virginia before being assigned to the USS Monssen. He was aboard the USS Monssen as a Seaman First Class when it was commissioned on March 14, 1941.

The Battle of Guadalcanal: Little was serving on the USS Monssen during the naval battle on November 13, 1942, in the Solomon Islands. The Monssen encountered a Japanese fleet under Vice Admiral Abe attempting to bombard Henderson Field on Guadalcanal. The battle commenced at 01:50.

The Fate of the USS Monssen: The USS Monssen was heavily targeted by enemy fire. Around 02:20, after being "spotlighted", it was struck by roughly 37 shells, turning it into "a burning hulk." The ship was immobilized, and the crew was ordered to abandon ship about 20 minutes later.

Death and Memorialization: Petty Officer Roy R. Little was killed in action on November 13, 1942, and was initially listed as missing in action. He was declared dead by the War Department on November 14, 1943. He is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines.

Notable Quotes:

"Shortly, after 01:40, 13 November 1942, they sighted the enemy fleet, under Vice Admiral Abe, 3 miles north of Kukum." This quote details the proximity of the enemy fleet and the beginning of the fateful engagement.

"At about 02:20 Monssen, forced to rely on radio information and optics, was spotlighted, hit by some 37 shells, and reduced to a burning hulk." This quote encapsulates the horrific nature of the battle and the damage the USS Monssen sustained.

"PO Little was killed in action on 13 November 1942 and was missing." This confirms the date and circumstances of Little's death.

Conclusion:

Roy Robley Little's life story reflects the impact of WWII on individuals. From his early life in Texas to his naval service and ultimate sacrifice at Guadalcanal, the document paints a picture of a young man who served his country in a pivotal and devastating campaign. His story highlights the personal costs of war and provides a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by US servicemen during the conflict. His inclusion on the Tablets of the Missing in the Philippines serves as a permanent tribute to his service and sacrifice.