The United States Navy was established on October 13, 1775, with a small fleet of ships to stop British supply ships. Centuries later it has expanded to the largest fleet in the world with hundreds of ships ready to serve globally. We at Honor Flight Chicago are proud to get to honor our Navy veterans on every mission to Washington, D.C. To help celebrate the Navy’s birthday, we are proud to bring specific stories to you from several of our World War II Navy veterans. These heroes served in important battles and were witnesses to history. We hope their stories inspire you to dig deeper and learn more about the history and importance of the Navy.
Click on the image of each PDF to download the document and access embedded links to content!
FEATURED VETERANS:
CURTIS BENTLEY: WWII Land-Based Mess Supervisor at Okinawa
Navy 2nd Class Coxswain Curtis Bentley served as a supervisor of land-based mess operations and an ammo bearer during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
JOE BORST: WWII USS St. Lo Survivor at Leyte Gulf
Navy Fireman 2nd Class Joe Borst worked with the evaporators on the USS St. Lo during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He jumped off his sinking ship, was in the water for 3 ½ hours, and was rescued by a destroyer during battle. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
MARION BURNS: USS Franklin Chockman Survives Direct Hit
Navy Seaman Marion Burns served aboard the USS Franklin as a chockman during World War II. He survived a direct bombing that killed over 800 of his fellow sailors. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
HOWARD HILL: First Sailor Ashore At Nagasaki
Navy Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Howard Hill served as an electrician aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater. He was one of the first US service members to set foot in Nagasaki after the bomb was dropped. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
JOHN ULLINSKEY: Served From Sea at D-Day AND Okinawa
Navy Motor Machinist’s Mate Second Class John Ullinskey served during the Battle of D-Day and the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. He went to Rome for R&R and got to meet the Pope. Click on the image below to download the PDF with its embedded resources!
