World War II Honoree
Killed In Action
Jack Robert Wyatt
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Los Angeles, California
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
Relationship
Friend
Rank: Seaman First Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy June 6, 1940, at Los Angeles, California with Basic Military Training at the U.S. Naval Training Station San Diego, California. Upon his graduation from Boot Camp and with additional training; he was transferred to the USS California V Battleship (BB-44) for duty. He was based at Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii. December 7, 1941 “Battle-of-Pearl Harbor” the Commencement of WWII, the Emperor of Japan’s Naval Aviators launched a devastating, surprise attack on Oahu U.S. Naval Base, and other Military Installations. The USS California with her Shipmate’s, lay moored on Ford Island came under attack, sustaining multiple, aerial torpedo strikes and settled to the harbor bottom on an even keel. March 25, 1942, through recovery efforts the Warship, entered Dry Dock at Pearl Harbor for repairs. June 7, 1942 the Battleship emerged under her own power, returning to sea; accompanied by the USS Gansevoort Destroyer (DD-608) steadily made her way to the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Washington for repairs. May 5, 1944 the USS California and crew set sail to the Western Pacific Theater of Operations along with an Armada of U.S. Warships, rendezvous off the coastal shores of Leyte Island, Philippines. This Fleet of Warships participated in the Battle-of-Leyte Gulf, against the Imperial Japanese Naval Forces. The largest Naval Battle of World War II and the climactic American Naval Victory over Japan. January 6, 1945 the Battlewagon came under attack and was severely damaged by an Imperial Japanese Kamikaze Pilot. January 8, 1945 he was fatally wounded, encountered from the attack and buried at Sea. 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.