World War II Honoree

Ellis Ray Newgent

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Orleans, Indiana

Honored By

Grateful American

Enlisted on 14 November 1939 at Cincinnati, Ohio. 1 May 1940 reported aboard the USS Astoria CA-34, a Heavy Cruiser lead ship of the class assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Involved in the Battle of Coral sea, Battle of Midway and Battle of Savo Island. on 9 August 1942, 01:50 Japanese Forces fired a salvo ripping into her superstructure, turning into a inferno. they continued to fire on her hitting at least 65 times. The Astoria was lost at 12:16 P.M. rescue operation were conducted by USS Bagley DD-386, USS Buchanan DD-484, and USS Alchiba AKA-6. Discharged on 19 November 1945 rating of Machinist's Mate Second Class Petty Officer.