World War II Honoree

John Lester Pace

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

New Jersey

Honored By

LTC David E. Hilkert

Relationship

Great Nephew

ASSIGNED AS GUNNER ON THE LIBERTY SHIP SS BENJAMIN IDE WHEELER. SERVED ON THE SHIP WHEN ATTACKED BY A JAPANESE KAMIKAZE PLANE DURING THE BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF. REMAINED ON THE DISABLED SHIP FOR SEVERAL DAYS AFTER MOST OF THE CREW EVACUATED TO SAFETY. WITH OTHER NAVAL GUNNERS, SHOT DOWN SEVERAL MORE ENEMY PLANES IN THE AREA.