World War II Honoree

Lester John White

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Relationship

Friend

Rank Gunner’s Mate Second Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy March 13, 1939, at Las Angeles, California with Basic Military Training at the U.S. Naval Training Station San Diego, California. Upon his graduation from Boot Camp and along with any additional training; he was transferred to the USS Lexington AKA: Lady Lex, Aircraft Carrier IV (CV-2) for duty. The Seagoing Airbase with her Shipmate’s participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, against the Imperial Japanese Naval Aviators (Battle Dates: May 4-8, 1942) Location: South Pacific Theater of Operations. The Floating Fortress “Lady Lex” sustained two torpedo strikes, fired from a Japanese Submarine, and three Bomb hits from enemy Bombers. Following gasoline and ammunition explosions, she was abandoned and scuttled by the USS Phelps Destroyer (DD-218). Friday, May 8, 1942; he was reported “Missing-in-Action” or Buried at Sea along with his gallant crew members, gone without a trace and will “Remain on Eternal Patrol”. In remembrance of the brave, his name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines. In his Memory, this American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously for his Heroism, and ultimate sacrifice. He served his Country with Pride and Honor.