World War II Honoree

John C. Washburne

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Winnetka, Illinois

Honored By

Seth P. Washburne

Relationship

Son

He served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps 13th Troop Carrier Squadron 'The Thirsty 13th'. He was stationed in New Caledonia from November 1942 until July 1943, from where he navigated C-47 transports to Guadalcanal, bringing the Marine 1st Division critical supplies, and flying the wounded out. He earned the Distinguish Flying Cross and the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He returned to the U.S. and went through pilot training, then returned to the South Pacific as a navigator with the Air Transport Command.