World War II Honoree

John Kenneth Reece

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Franklin, North Carolina

Honored By

Jane C. Garber

Relationship

Daughter

GUNNER 1ST MATE; SERVED ON THE USS BILOXI FROM 1943 TO 1946. THE BILOXI SCREENED FAST CARRIER TASK GROUPS, BOMBARDED SHORE INSTALLATIONS AND COVERED AMPHIBIOUS LANDINGS. THE BILOXI WAS SLIGHTLY DAMAGED BY A KAMIKAZE PLANE CARRYING A 1200 POUND BOMB. THE PLANE STRUCK THE WATERLINE NEAR THE STERN AND THE BOMB FAILED TO EXPLODE. FOLLOWING THE SURRENDER OF JAPAN SHE ASSISTED IN THE EVACUATION OF ALLIED PRISONERS OF WAR FROM NAGASAKI. RECEIVED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 9 STARS, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 2 STARS.