World War II Honoree

Wallace A. Montgomery

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Senath, Missouri

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Relationship

Friend

Rank: Machinist’s Mate Second Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy May 13, 1938, at Saint Louis, Missouri with Basic Military Training at the U.S. Naval Training Station Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon his graduation from Boot Camp and with additional training; he was transferred to the USS West Virginia Battleship II (BB-48) 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 West Virginia with her Shipmate’s, lay moored on Ford Island came under attack, sustaining multiple aerial torpedoes strikes and two Bomb hits. The Floating Fortress settled to the harbor bottom on an even keel. He was fatally wounded during, this “Historical Battle” and interred in the Oahu Nuuanu Cemetery, Territory of Hawaii. In the post-war era, this Seaman’s family requested that he be buried with Military Honors at Honolulu Memorial Cemetery, with interment June 17, 1949 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii. 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.