Harold E. Staggs is a submarine veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. Harold was born in Pasadena, California on August 26, 1924. He joined the U.S. Navy on October 30, 1941, volunteered for submarine duty and received an assignment to USS TAMBOR (SS-198) on January 1, 1942. Harold made six war patrols before going to new construction in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he was assigned to USS PARCHE (SS-384) and helped put her in commission and made the first war patrols under CDR "Red" Ramage. After assignment to the Relief Crew (SUB DIV 202) in Midway he caught the USS SEARAVEN (SS-196), where he made the thirteenth and last patrol. SEARAVEN was then assigned to School Boat duty until the end of hostilities. Returning to Mare Island, California, he decommissioned SEARAVEN. Harold was discharged on November 7, 1945 with the rate of Torpedoman First Class. In addition to his dolphins and combat pin, he was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Defense Medal, Philippine Liberation, Presidential Unit Citation.
Returning to civilian life, Harold took up work as a painter, joining the Naval Reserves in 1946. He was recalled to active duty on August 30, 1950 and was assigned to USS CUSK (SS-348) during the Korean War. Harold was again discharged from the Navy on December 16, 1951. Following the Korean War, he returned to work as a painter. In 1957 he joined the City of Arcadia Fire Department and attained the rank of Captain before retiring on December 29, 1979. Harold married Kathryn in February 1984 and again took up painting with the City of Los Angeles Water and Power Department. He is now living in Azusa, California.
