World War II Honoree

Matthew C. Hanculak

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Cleveland, Ohio

Honored By

James Hanculak

Relationship

Son

1940-1946; GUNNER'S MATE 1ST CLASS, MASTER AT ARMS; BATTLESHIP COMBAT VETERAN, USS NEW YORK. SERVED IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC PATROLS, CONVOY ESCORTS (1940 - 1942), THE NORTH AFRICAN INVASION (NOVEMBER 1942), THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (MARCH 23, 1943 - APRIL 25, 1945). THE MARSHALL ISLANDS OPERATION (KWAJALEIN, ENIWETOK, MAJURO ATOLLS, ROI-NAMUR ISLANDS), THE WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS OPERATION (PALAU, PELELIU, EFATE, NEW GUINEA), THE IWO JIMA INVASION, THE OKINAWA/GUNTO OPERATION. NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE UNTIL DISCHARGED ON DECEMBER 10, 1946. AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR, NAVY COMMENDATION, COMBAT ACTION RIBBON, UNIT CITATION, NAVY GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WITH 1 STAR, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL WITH BRONZE A, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 STARS, THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 2 STARS, THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 4 STARS, THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AND THE NAVY OCCUPATION MEDAL WITH ASIA CLASP. MEMBER VFW POST 5801. DECEASED JUNE 10, 1980.