World War II Honoree

Birdine Van Dykes

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Harlingen, Texas

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Fire Controlman Third Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy December 19, 1936 at Houston, Texas, with recruit training at the U.S. Naval Training Station San Diego, California. Upon his graduation from boot camp and Gunnery Training, he was transferred to the USS Houston II Heavy Cruiser CA-30 for duty, responsible in directing his warship cannons line of fire. He re-enlisted May 7, 1940 while on board his Cruiser. The Cruiser and her shipmates participated in the Naval Battle of Sunda Strait, Dutch East Indies Campaign. On the night of February 28 and March 1, 1942 the Houston and an Australian Cruiser engaged a major Imperial Japanese Naval Force. After the fierce battle, both Allied ships were sunk by enemy cannon fire and torpedoes. Reported missing in action, lost at sea, when his warship went down. In remembrance of the brave, his name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at the Manila American Cemetery at Fort William-McKinley, Philippine Islands. Later his missing in action status was amended to read killed in action December 15, 1945. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.