World War II Honoree

John Parley Orr

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Knoxville, Iowa

Honored By

Jan Keller and James Miller

Relationship

Niece and Great Nephew

Dates of service: Enlisted on 28 April 1938. First boat was USS Pensacola (CA-24), on board 7 May 1938, rank of Gunner's Mate 3rd Class, Gunner's Mate 2nd class effective on 16 October 1939, Gunner's Mate 1st Class effective on 16 November 1940 while on board. Second boat was USS Mobile (CL-63) received on board 24 March 1943, rank of Gunner's Mate 1st Class and Chief Gunner's Mate. Third boat was USS Fort Knox (DD-742), received on board 11 December 1944, date the Fort Knox was commissioned, rank of Chief Gunner's Mate and Gunner (Warrant Officer, effective 15 November 1944). Fourth boat was the USS McCook (DMS-36), ordered so on 19 March 1945. In a USS McCook sailing report of changes, he was selected by the Fourth Naval District for a temp duty assignment on 11 July 1945. Sailed on the USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14) from Bikini Atoll to Pearl Harbor with final destination of Continental U.S. on 14 August 1946.