Print plaque Printing Tips

World War II Honoree

World War II Veteran

James Robert Yakes, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Alpina, Michigan

Honored By

Family & Friends

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

AFTER JOINING THE NAVY IN JANUARY 1936, HE WAS SERVING ON THE BATTLESHIP USS PENNSYLVANIA BB-38 AT PEARL HARBOR ON DECEMBER 7, 1941. IN JULY OF 1942, HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE LIGHT CRUISER USS COLUMBIA CL-56 AND BECAME A PLANK HOLDER ON HER COMMISSIONING. WHILE SERVING ON THE COLUMBIA HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF BOATSWAIN'S MATE FIRST CLASS AND QUALIFIED AS A SHELLBACK. HE SERVED ON THE COLUMBIA UNTIL NOVEMBER 1943 WHEN HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO HEADQUARTERS SQUADRON FLEET AIR WING 14 SUPPORTING PBY CATALINA'S WHERE HE SERVED UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF PETTY OFFICER IN APRIL 1944.