World War II Honoree

Leslie 'Ike' Edgar Etchason

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Flora, Illinois

Honored By

Robert M. Gatewood

Relationship

Life Member, VFW Post 3999

SEAMAN 1ST CLASS; COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ABOARD THE MIGHTY DREADNOUGHT USS ARIZONA BB-39. ON DECEMBER 7, 1941 HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION. WENT DOWN WITH HIS SHIP AND 1,176 SHIPMATES WHEN THE JAPANESE ATTACKED PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII. HIS TRAGIC DEATH ON THAT DAY OF INFAMY MADE HIM THE FIRST WWII CASUALTY FROM BOTH HIS HOMETOWN AND CLAY COUNTY, ILLINOIS. WHEN LOCAL FRIENDS OF HIS FORMED A VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST ON JANUARY 28, 1945, THEY NAMED IT IN HONOR OF HIM, THE LESLIE EDGAR ETCHASON VFW POST 3999. HE IS ALSO HONORED AT THE WWII MEMORIAL IN FLORA, ILLINOIS.