World War II Honoree

Joshua James "J. J." Nix

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Memphis, Tennessee

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Relationship

A Grateful American

A graduate of the US Naval Academy, he became a lieutenant commander. He was killed in action when the USS Edsall was sunk in waters around Manila on March 1, 1942 by Japanese surface and air forces. He was the ship's commanding officer and youngest combat vessel skipper in the Asiatic Fleet. Received the Legion of Merit and Purple Heart posthumously.