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S2c Ernest Schiller
Times were particularly difficult for the family of Ernest Schiller during the Great Depression.
His father, Otto, was a German immigrant from Berlin whose highest level of schooling was the 6th grade. He was a farm laborer near Austin, Texas. Otto’s wife, Bessie, died in 1929 of a heart condition, leaving him with five children.
By 1940 Otto had remarried and had two more children. He and Ernest, who was working for the Civilian Conservation Corps — a federal jobs program — earned a total of $330 the previous year. They were supporting a household of six in Hutto, Texas north of Austin.
Ernest, born Oct. 22, 1921, also finished the 6th grade, and enlisted in the Navy on Jan. 21, 1941. He was a seaman second class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
Sources: The Austin (Texas) Statesman; Census; Navy muster roll; Texas death certificate; World War I draft card.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.