World War II Honoree

John Arthur Davenport, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Newark, New Jersey

Honored By

LtCol (Retired) Thomas J. Evans

Relationship

Cousin

"Jack" traveled to New York City and voluntarily joined the Navy V-5 aviation program on October 15, 1942, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He trained in multiple US states and subsequently earned his wings of gold on the Great Lakes Paddlewheel Aircraft Carrier USS Sable. During WWII he flew torpedo bombers (TBMs) off the USS Kasaan Bay in the Pacific. Postwar he continued his Naval career. He had a successful career with assignments that included commander of two attack squadrons, VA-152, and VA-122. In addition, he served on the USS Midway in the Mediterranean, and as a navigator on the USS Oriskany (CV 34), and Navy Liaison to the US Senate and the Secretary of Defense. He retired at the rank of Captain in 1970.