My Uncle Captured a Nazi Submarine, But That’s Not Why He’s My Hero

NAVY (SF) PAUL ALBERS OF THE USS NEAL A SCOTT, THE AMERICAN HERO

On January 12, 2014, the flag on the USS Slater flew at half-mast for an American hero. This soldier’s story is overdue. I figure now it’s time to tell HIS-story as I know it:

WHY PAUL ALBERS JOINED THE NAVY

Born in Brooklyn in a time when television was non-existent and radio was king, Paul Albers defined what it meant to be an American. Coming from a European immigrant family, he was intensely proud to call the United States of America his own. Red, white, and blue bled from Paul Albers’ veins. Patriotism flowed through him like a ship through water. It cut through him like a Yankee bullet (though he loved the Dodgers) through German flesh. Why was Paul Albers so passionate about America? Why did such a young boy from Brooklyn volunteer his life to serve in World War II?

The answer: Paul always talked about how furious he was after the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, how the images of the destruction were why he volunteered to join the Navy at age 17. I can say for certain (we’ve watched thousands of hours of Pearl Harbor/Battle of Midway footage together), that the events of December 7th were never forgotten by my great uncle. It was one thing he never let go. Because if there’s one sin that sent you straight to Hell, it’s to mess with America.

In his eyes, the United States of America was as strong a nation as there has ever been…a Goliath. And I’m no David, but the pride alone of this man could’ve killed a lion.

Though instead, it captured an entire German submarine. Yes, you heard that right…a German sub.

PAUL ALBERS EARNS A BATTLE STAR

When I first heard the story, I was baffled. My uncle captured a submarine?! How do you capture a sub? A giant net? Well, don’t worry…I did the groundwork. If you want to know the exact details of that day, here’s a first-hand account from his crewmate: https://www.fmsystems-inc.com/u1228-german-submarine-surrender-sea/.

When I came across the article above, I realized how crazy some WWII stories were and I couldn’t believe that my Uncle Paul was there that day. It was his ship, the USS NEAL A SCOTT, that actually forced a U1228 German submarine to surrender in the middle of the war. I knew he captured a U-boat, I knew his crew got awarded a battle star, I knew that he encountered many battles during his time in the Atlantic, I knew his uniform encased in his two-bedroom apartment on Shore Road was adorned with metals, but I never quite understood the magnitude of the story – until today.

But, to be honest, as a kid I didn’t need to know more than the fact that my Uncle Paul was a badass.

He showed me the scars on his hands from loading missile shells into the starboard guns, pictures of his battleship sailing through waves that soared high above the deck floor, photos of his old shipmates fooling around playing cards. I was in awe of all that Uncle Paul had done, I wanted to be just like him.

I WANTED TO BE JUST LIKE UNCLE PAUL

Uncle Paul was my hero. The war stories, the way he carried himself, the respect he got from those around him. The man was instrumental in making me the man I am today. Throughout my childhood, at every chance I got, I was with him. Me and Brianne, the mischievous duo. Every vacation, free weekend, holiday, we were with him. He wasn’t my grandfather, but I always say that he took the place of one when my Pop-Pop passed when I was 5. He did everything for me.

Uncle Paul taught me how to play cards, bowl (the dude had a trophy for getting a perfect 300 score), how to order food at Burger King and get a discount even when there was none available (though sometimes complaining to management was quite embarrassing as I got older…aka the infamous KFC incident), he taught me how to read when I was 3, how to find Waldo (yes, the “Where’s Waldo” Waldo), how to wax a car (though thinking back, this might be slave labor), how to pump gas, swim, ride a bike, shoot a basketball, he taught me American history, how to play the game Leap Frog & Solitaire, how to invest money, tie my shoes, hammer a nail, saw a piece of wood, fish, how to talk to a woman (yes, the conversation was hilarious), how to properly eat Jello (there is a way), how to cook, how to tie a tie…he taught me how to be a man.

So many stories, so many life lessons, so many anecdotes. I have them all because of my great Uncle Paul.

MY LAST MEMORY OF PAUL ALBERS

January 11, 2014: We knew he was on his last legs, so our entire family visited him in his bedroom. A few beautiful moments happened that night, but one in particular.

I can remember looking into Paul Albers’ worn soul the night before he died. With all the strength he had, he pointed his eyes towards the front wall, and smiled.

What was he looking at? (I mean the man was incoherent, he couldn’t speak.)

Enshrined on the wall directly across from him was a World War II painting I made for him one Christmas, in honor of his service to our country. Even though he didn’t have the strength to speak, I remember thinking how fitting it was that even in death – he saluted America.

Me and my sister Maureen decided to stay with him through the night. The next morning came, and we left for church only to return and see red-flashing lights in front of his apartment building. Navy Shipfitter (SF) Paul Albers had passed.

Rest in peace Uncle Paul. You’ve done a ton for me and my family, and I’ll always miss you. You’ve served our country proudly; the 21-gun salute, plaque on your grave, & encased American Flag above the cabinet show that. Paul Albers will always remain in HIS-Story.

God Bless America, and thank you to all our military personnel for risking it all to serve our country. Happy Veterans Day.

Brian Nealon

I’m a journalist, filmmaker, and photographer who has done work for the New York Rangers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, SBNation, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Kelly & Ryan, Good Morning America, and more. I also can’t sing, but somehow made my way on tour with Kelly Clarkson. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯