World War II Honoree
Killed In Action
William Lewis Wade
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Barnesville, Ohio
Honored By
Orville L. Kline
Relationship
Friend
Rank: Gunner’s Mate Second Class. He was inducted into the United States Navy February 26, 1943, at Columbus, Ohio 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 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, and returned to sea. After receiving a complete over-haul at Puget Sound U.S. Navy Yard, located in Washington, the USS California joined an Armada of U.S. Warships, off the coastal shores of Leyte Island, Philippines. These Combatant Ships participated in the Battle-of-Leyte Gulf, against the Imperial Japanese Naval Forces. He was fatally wounded January 6, 1945 when the USS California was damaged by an Imperial Kamikaze, Pilot who flew his aircraft into the Warship. He was buried at Sea, January 8, 1945, by an Administrative Decision. This was the largest, Naval Battle of World War II. The climactic American Naval Victory over Japan. 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.