World War II Honoree

John Charles Wydila

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Kulpmont, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Relationship

Friend

Rank: Shipfitter Third Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy October 23, 1940, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with Basic Military Training at the U.S. Naval Training Station Newport, Rhode Island. 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, when 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. 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 the Honolulu National Memorial Cemetery, with interment June 16, 1949, located in 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.