World War II Honoree

John H. Cleaveland, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Virginia

Honored By

John Rippinger

Relationship

Son-in-law

SERVED AS AN AIRPLANE MECHANIC ON 4 AIRCRAFT CARRIERS IN THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC. HE WAS IN THE BATTLES OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS, SANTA CRUZ, CORAL SEA AND GUADALCANAL. SURVIVED AN OCTOBER 26, 1942 JAPANESE ATTACK ON THE USS HORNET. THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER WAS CRIPPLED BY JAPANESE BOMBS AND TORPEDOES. THE CREW WAS ORDERED TO ABANDON SHIP, AND HE SPENT HOURS FLOATING IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC BEFORE HE WAS PICKED UP.