World War II Honoree

Alvin Hanes Alcorn

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Geary, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

SERVED IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER ABOARD THE HEAVY CRUISER USS QUINCY (CA-71). SAILED FROM THE HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA PORT ON MARCH 5, 1945 AND ARRIVED AT PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII ON MARCH 20, 1945. HIS SHIP PARTICIPATED IN OPERATIONS WITH 5TH FLEET AIRCRAFT CARRIERS IN STRIKES AGAINST OKINAWA IN APRIL AND MAY, 1945. THEN CONDUCTED FIRE SUPPORT MISSIONS ON THE JAPANESE HOME ISLANDS FROM JULY, 1945 UNTIL THE END OF HOSTILITIES ON AUGUST 14, 1945. HIS SHIP ENTERED TOKYO BAY ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1945 FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE FORMAL JAPANESE SURRENDER CEREMONY ABOARD THE BATTLESHIP MISSOURI (BB-63) THAT TOOK PLACE THE FOLLOWING DAY (V-J DAY). HE WITNESSED THE SIGNING OF THE INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER WHICH ENDED THE WAR. AWARDED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE SERVICE STARS, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.