Engineman (Fireman E3) Ferrell served aboard the minesweeper, USS MAGPIE (AMS-25) in Korean waters. On October 1, 1950, it struck a floating mine and sunk. Twenty one men were lost. He was listed as Missing in Action while engaged with the enemy. He was presumed dead on October 2, 1951. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.