Rooks Park, in Honor of a Hero

I love walking in our local parks, they are so beautiful. We have only lived here for a few years so I am always learning new things about the area and its history. A few days ago while out for a walk I learned the story of a hero. With this being Memorial Day weekend I thought I would share my discovery with you.

The anchor is from the Houston. The paper plaque, which I understand will soon be replaced with a permanent marker, reads as follows:

Battle of Sunda Strait

"In February 1942, the Houston was part of an allied force of American, British, Dutch, and Australian ships trying to prevent a powerful Japanese armada from invading the island of Java in the South Pacific. After suffering heavy losses in the Battle of the Java Sea, the Allied command ordered the Houston and the Australian ship H.M.A.S. Perth to retreat through the Sunda Strait to the south coast of Java. The two ships were detected by the Japanese and the Perth was lost at once. Captain Rooks inspired his men during the one-sided battle. After inflicting heavy damage on the enemy, the Houston sank near the Sunda Strait. Of the ship's company of 1,011 men, 651 perished. Navy experts say that the battle was one of the most gallant in naval history."

In 1941 Rooks took command of the heavy cruiser Houston, flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. He took his ship through the difficult first three months of the Pacific War. During the battle of Sunda Strait, the Houston survived six air attacks and one major naval engagement, doing serious damage to the enemy. Captain Rooks died on the bridge as a result of the enemy fire and went down with his ship after a courageous fight against overwhelming odds.

Albert Harold Rooks was born in Colton, Washington in 1891. Captain Rooks was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. In 1944, the destroyer USS Rooks was named in his honor. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers maintains Rooks Park located five miles east of Walla Walla, WA to honor Captain Rooks.