World War II Honoree

Earl Wanbaugh

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Independence, Missouri

Honored By

Missouri DAV Chapter 67

HE SERVED ON THE BATTLESHIP USS PENNSYLVANIA. ON DECEMBER 7, 1942, AT ALMOST 8:00AM, HE WAS WAITING FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS WHEN HE HEARD THE FIRST EXPLOSION. HE RUSHED ON DECK AND SAW THE SHIP'S BAND MEMBERS RACING TOWARD HIM IN PANIC AND A JAPANESE PLANE FLYING LOW ACROSS THE FANTAIL. THE JAPANESE PLANE FLEW ACROSS THE STERN AND DROPPED A TORPEDO THAT HIT THE (CRUISER) USS HELENA. HE HEARD THE LOUD SPEAKERS SOUNDING TO 'MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS'. HIS SHIP WAS HIT SOON AFTER THIS AND HE WAS ABLE TO ABANDON THE SHIP AND SURVIVE THE ATTACK.