World War II Honoree

Joseph Edward Motika

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Cleveland, Ohio

Honored By

Jacqueline S. Brockway

Relationship

Friend

AT THE AGE OF 17, LEFT HIGH SCHOOL TO ENLIST ON NOVEMBER 6, 1944. WHILE IN THE PACIFIC, WAS A MEMBER OF THE CLEAN UP CREW (UNDERWATER DEMOLITION TEAM) WHO CLEARED THE BEACHES BEFORE THE TROOPS ARRIVED. RECIPIENT OF THE WWII MEDAL, THE AMERICAN AREA CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL. WHILE IN ALASKA, PARTICIPATED IN THE TESTING OF THE WET SUITS WORN BY THE NAVY UNDERWATER TEAMS. HONORABLE DISCHARGE ON JULY 19, 1948.