World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
John W. Montgomery
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Shelbyville, Kentucky
Honored By
John W. Montgomery
Relationship
Friend
Served as a gunner on SB2C Helldiver plane in Air Group 15 under Commander David McCampbell. Shot down in the Philippine Islands; listed as missing in action. Hidden by Philippine farmers and guerrillas from Japanese for several weeks. Rescued by a Navy PT boat, 2 days before Christmas. Received the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Enlisted August 1942; honorable discharge September 1945.