William J. Sharkey

William J. Sharkey (20 March 1885 – 5 October 1918) was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I.

Biography

Born in Auburn, New York, Sharkey attained the enlisted rate of Chief Gunners Mate. He was appointed Ensign on 15 March 1918 and assigned to the submarine USS O-5.

On 5 October 1918, fumes were reported in the after battery room, and Lieutenant (junior grade) Sharkey was killed as he tried to prevent the explosion that followed.

Namesake

USS Sharkey (DD-281) was named for him.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.