World War II Honoree

James F. O'Connor

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Houston, Texas

Honored By

M/Sgt Russell Rulau

Relationship

Comrade

SERVED IN NAVY AS CREW MEMBER ON THE USS SAN FRANCISCO CA-38, WHICH ASSISTED THE FIRST LANDINGS ON GUADALCANAL, AUGUST 7, 1942. SURFACE ENGAGEMENT WITH JAPANESE BATTLESHIPS, NOVEMBER 13, 1942 (3RD BATTLE OF THE SOLOMON SEA), IN WHICH HIS HEAVY CRUISER WAS BADLY DAMAGED BY A JAPANESE PLANE THAT CRASHED INTO HER AFTER SECTION. AWARDED SOLOMON ISLANDS 1992, 50TH ANNIVERSARY DECORATION IN 2002.