World War II Honoree

John Martin Becker

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Peoria, Illinois

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps September 10, 1943 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Served in the Pacific Theater and experienced combat with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine ‘The Old Breed’ Division. Participated in the Battle of Okinawa (Invasion Dates: Easter Sunday, April 1-June 22, 1945), Code Name: Operation Iceberg. Saturday, April 28, 1945 he died of wounds suffered in combat and buried in the First Marine Division battlefield cemetery on Okinawa. The eighty day battle has been described as ‘The Typhoon of Steel’ and became the largest amphibious assault of World War II. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family, with interment in the Saint Josephs Cemetery, West Peoria, Illinois. Decorations and Citations: Purple Heart, Marine Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two battle stars. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.