John served as a Machinist's Mate First Class, U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426), U.S. Navy during World War II.

He resided in St. Louis, Missouri prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Navy on August 31, 1942 and was assigned to the U.S.S. Lansdale on October 22, 1942.

The Lansdale, while escorting Convey UGS 38 bound from Norfolk to Bizerte, was first attacked by two or three waves of German Heinkel He 111s Aircraft. One successfully released a torpedo which struck the Lansdale's starboard side forward, wrecking the forward fireroom and opening both sides to the sea.

The Lansdale's skipper, Lt. Cdr. Douglas M. Swift, ordered her abandoned when he feared the stricken ship might roll "completely over." Five minutes later she broke in half, and the stern section quickly sank. The forward section sank 20 minutes later.

Forty-eight (48) officers and men were carried down with Lansdale.

John was declared "Missing In Action" in this attack during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 6693084

Husband of Donna Mary Van Voorn who resided in St. Louis, Missouri

The Lansdale received 4 Battle Stars for it's World War II Service.

The S.S. Paul Hamilton and S.S. Royal Star were also both sunk in this attack.
The Royal Star had only 1 crewman lost.
The S.S. Paul Hamilton, however, had a loss of approximately 580 men. "533" on the Hamilton that were lost were U.S. Soldiers and Sailors!

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

John served as a Machinist's Mate First Class, U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426), U.S. Navy during World War II.

He resided in St. Louis, Missouri prior to the war.

He enlisted in the Navy on August 31, 1942 and was assigned to the U.S.S. Lansdale on October 22, 1942.

The Lansdale, while escorting Convey UGS 38 bound from Norfolk to Bizerte, was first attacked by two or three waves of German Heinkel He 111s Aircraft. One successfully released a torpedo which struck the Lansdale's starboard side forward, wrecking the forward fireroom and opening both sides to the sea.

The Lansdale's skipper, Lt. Cdr. Douglas M. Swift, ordered her abandoned when he feared the stricken ship might roll "completely over." Five minutes later she broke in half, and the stern section quickly sank. The forward section sank 20 minutes later.

Forty-eight (48) officers and men were carried down with Lansdale.

John was declared "Missing In Action" in this attack during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Service # 6693084

Husband of Donna Mary Van Voorn who resided in St. Louis, Missouri

The Lansdale received 4 Battle Stars for it's World War II Service.

The S.S. Paul Hamilton and S.S. Royal Star were also both sunk in this attack.
The Royal Star had only 1 crewman lost.
The S.S. Paul Hamilton, however, had a loss of approximately 580 men. "533" on the Hamilton that were lost were U.S. Soldiers and Sailors!

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )