About

Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Little DD-803!

Since childhood, my father, Clarence Papenfuss, (deceased 27-SEP-2002) fascinated me with his memories of the time he served aboard the U.S.S. Little (DD 803) from her commissioning until her sinking at Okinawa on 03-May-1945. My Uncle, Andrew (Andy) Felt, also served aboard the Little until her sinking at Okinawa Gunto. Andy, who passed away on 08-AUG-1998, was a MoMM 3/c during his time on the Little.

Since then I have been researching the ship’s history and have enjoyed making contact/friendships with former crew and family as well as obtaining their stories for inclusion on this site. It is my hope to develop an inclusive, accurate and informative website that will remember the U.S.S. Little DD 803 and her crew, as well as pay tribute to all of those who gave so much for our country to remain free.

I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I have creating this website. If you have any information that you would like to include or know of data that is incorrect or needs to be updated, please contact me and I will gladly review and make changes as they can be verified. A special thank you to the crew, family, friends and supporters of the U.S.S. Little DD 803 for all of their input, information and encouragement towards the development of this site.

Larry