Radarman Second Class Abate was on the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin during fighter sweeps against Honshu when a Japanese plane pierced the cloud cover and made a low-level run dropping bombs. The bombs exploded fanning fires that triggered ammunition, bombs, and rockets. Although the ship was saved, the casualties totaled 724 killed and 265 wounded. He was killed in action and buried at sea. His name is listed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, located within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Narrative researched and written by National Purple Heart Hall of Honor staff.