World War II Honoree

John Cyphers

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

ENLISTED AT AGE 22 AND SERVED IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER AS AN AVIATION MACHINIST ABOARD THE ESCORT AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS ANZIO (CVE-57). PARTICIPATED IN THE IWO JIMA OPERATION CAMPAIGN FROM FEBRUARY 16 TO MARCH 8, 1945. FROM HIS STATION ABOARD SHIP, THE GROUND BATTLE ON IWO JIMA WAS NOT VISIBLE AND THE PRIMARY THREAT TO HIS SHIP WAS FROM ENEMY KAMIKAZE SUICIDE AIRCRAFT ATTACK. HIS SHIP LATER PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF OKINAWA, IN THE RYUKYU ISLANDS, FROM APRIL 1-30, 1945. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.