Louis Facklam was born in Enterprise, Kansas to Henry and Anna Patzig Facklam. He had seven siblings. He joined the Navy around 1920. His service number was 3410922. He had a long career in the Navy, serving from about 1920 to 1943. He served on many different vessels, most of them submarines. He began his Navy career as a cook, then graduated as a second machinist mate. He worked in the engine room as well. Towards the end of his career, he was a submarine instructor in Alaska. He trained in the Great Lakes, then was stationed in California, Virginia, and Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is where he may have met his wife, Katherine Hart, who is from Hawaii. They were married in 1938. In the early 1920s, the Enterprise Journal published short letters he wrote about his service. For example, in 1921 Louis reports being on the USS Camden, a former German ship named Kiel, which was a submarine tender for U-Boats. He was stationed in the engine room. It was a coal burning ship, and he wished it was an oil burner. He said that it was not hard work but required knowledge of the engine and keeping hourly logs. In 1922, the Enterprise Journal reports that his mailing address will move from San Pedro to San Fransisco, California. He says that he likes the Navy life so far. In April 1923, Louis describes his experience in the town of Colón, Panama. He says that Colón has more saloons and drinking emporiums, proportionately than any other town in the Western hemisphere. From muster rolls: In April of 1940 he is recorded as being on the USS Seal (SS-183), a Salmon-class submarine. In September 1940 he is recorded as being on the submarine USS Sargo (SS-188). In November and December of 1940, he is recorded as being on the USS Saury (SS-189), a Sargo-class submarine. In January of 1941 he is recorded as being on the USS Sculpin. In March 1941 he is recorded as being on the USS Sculpin, the USS Tuna, and USS Spearfish, all submarines. In April 1941 through March 1942, he is recorded as being on the USS Ortolan (AM-45/ASR-5), a Lapwing-class minesweeper. In August 1942 he is recorded as being on the USS Henderson (AP-1), a transport ship. In July of 1943, he is recorded as being on the USS Ramapo (AO-12), a Patoka-class replenishment oiler. He may have settled in San Diego after his service. Courtesy newspapers.com, fold3.com, findagrave.com