Final Assignment: Lisbon, Portugal

By 1941, after serving in Egypt for almost nine years and initiating friendly diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, Bert Fish was ready for a new post. Later that year, President Roosevelt appointed him US Minister to Portugal, and Fish took up residence in Lisbon.

The United States' mission in Lisbon was another strategically important post due to Portugal's unique position during World War II. A neutral power, Portugal was a major supplier of tungsten, which was widely used in German war munitions. Further, the Azores Islands, an autonomous region of Portugal in the North Atlantic, were advantageously located for naval and air bases. As a result, both Allied and Axis powers vied for the cooperation of Portuguese Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar. 

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A program for Bert Fish's memorial service, held at St. George Church in Lisbon. His casket was later returned to the United States.

Fish would not be in Portugal for long, however. He died of heart failure at his post in Lisbon on July 21, 1943 and a state funeral was held for him four days later. His casket was taken from the United States Legation in Lisbon to St. George's Church, escorted by Portuguese cavalry. Portuguese Prime Minister António de Oliveira Salazar was in attendance. Fish was later interred at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand, Florida.

Photograph of Bert Fish's Funeral Procession

Bert Fish's casket, draped with an American flag, is carried away from the United States Legation

Photograph of Bert Fish's Funeral Procession

Bert Fish's funeral procession passes the Basílica da Estrela

Photograph of Bert Fish's Funeral Procession

Bert Fish's casket is carried to St. George's Church

Photograph of Bert Fish's Funeral Procession

Portuguese Prime Minister Salazar, António de Oliveira attends Fish's memorial service

Final Assignment: Lisbon, Portugal