World War II Honoree

John Edward O'Hara

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Honored By

Dale & Sherri O'Hara

Relationship

Son & Daughter-in-Law

In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack and served in the European Theatre, the Pacific Theatre, and the Mediterranean-African & Middle East Theatre. It was during “Operation Torch”, the invasion of North Africa, that he served with the Western Task Force (Battle of Casablanca) under commanders, Major General George S. Patton, and Rear Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt. On November 12, 1942 - while below deck on the USS Hugh L. Scott (AP-43), a German submarine, U-130 torpedoed the Hugh L. Scott, hitting the starboard side which burst into flames. Wounded and fighting for his life, he was able to get out before the ship floundered, awarding him a purple heart. After recovery he was assigned as a member of the crew of the USS Alabama (BB60) Battleship where he served until the end of the war. He served as Gun Captain of the 40 MM anti-aircraft guns and crew. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart, 13 Battle Stars, 2 Silver & 3 Bronze Stars along with numerous other medals & ribbons. He ended his tour of duty in November of 1945.