World War II Honoree

John R. Banks

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Indianapolis, Indiana

Relationship

Self

WATERTENDER 1ST CLASS, SERVED ABOARD THE ESCORT CARRIER USS NEHENTA BAY CVE-74, AS PART OF THE PACIFIC THIRD FLEET. SAW EXTENSIVE ACTION DURING THE ASSAULTS IN THE MARIANA ISLANDS, GUAM AND SAIPAN; THEN THE CAROLINE ISLANDS, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, FORMOSA AND THE CHINA COAST. AFTER OVERHAUL IN SAN DIEGO, THE CARRIER RETURNED TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS FOR STRIKES AGAINST OKINAWA AND JAPAN. WHILE IN ROUTE FOR OPERATIONS IN THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS HOSTILITIES ENDED, THUS THE CARRIER RETURNED TO JAPAN FOR OCCUPATION DUTY; THEN DELIVERED HOMEWARD-BOUND TROOPS FROM THE MARSHALL AND THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS; FINALLY SAILING THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL FOR INACTIVATION AT BOSTON.