World War II Honoree

Voris William Newbanks, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Effingham, Illinois

Honored By

James A. Newbanks

Relationship

Son

SERVED IN THE NAVY CONSTRUCTION BATTALION MOSTLY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC AS PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS, SHIP FITTER. STATIONED FOR A TIME ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII DRIVING TRUCKS LOADED WITH DYNAMITE TO THE TOP OF ONE OF THE MOUNTAINS. AFTER THAT HE WENT TO KWAJALEIN ISLAND IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS WHERE HIS GROUP BUILT AN AIRSTRIP. HE DID WELDING REPAIRS ON SOME OF THE HEAVY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT THAT WAS BEING USED TO BUILD THE AIRSTRIP.