World War II Honoree

John J. Penich

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Monessen, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Arlene L. Karg & Susan Lane

Relationship

Daughters

SERVED ABOARD THE USS FRANKLIN CV-13, AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER, AS A SIGNALMAN USING SIGNAL FLAGS AND SIGNAL LIGHTS, MAINLY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. THE USS FRANKLIN WAS BOMBED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS ALMOST SUNK OFF THE COAST OF JAPAN. IT WAS THERE THAT HE WAS TRAPPED IN THE MESS HALL FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND FINALLY CRAWLED TO SAFETY THROUGH AN AIR VENT TO THE FLIGHT DECK. ENTERED INTO ACTIVE SERVICE ON OCTOBER 7, 1943. HELD THE RANK OF STOREKEEPER (D) 3RD CLASS IN THE PAYROLL DEPARTMENT ISSUING SAILOR'S PAYCHECKS ON FORD ISLAND, HAWAII U.S. NAVAL RESERVE AT THE TIME OF HIS DISCHARGE ON MAY 20, 1946. RECEIVED THE AMERICAN THEATER MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN RIBBON WITH 5 STARS AND THE PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH 2 STARS.