While serving as a fireman, Petty Officer Abate was among 1,061 crewmen lost when the heavy cruiser USS Houston was sunk during the Battle of Sunda Strait. The Houston was attempting to sail through the narrow strait, when just after midnight, she was spotted and surrounded by multiple Japanese warships. Despite intelligence reports that there were no enemy ships in the area, the cruiser found herself in a desperate battle against an entire Japanese battle fleet. The ship was hit by four torpedoes and close-range gunfire until she rolled over and sank. Petty Officer Abate's remains were never recovered, and his name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in Taguig City, Philippines. This narrative was researched by National Purple Heart Hall of Honor staff.