Joseph L. Lopac

Joseph L. Lopac entered the Navy on October 3, 1942.

He was an Electrician's Mate 3rd class on the cruiser USS Portland, Aleutian patrol and Pacific Theater.

"Participated in landings at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Caroline Islands, Paleiu, Marshall Islands, LeyteGulf landing in Philippines, Battle of Santiago Strait, and Manila Bay. Our ship was one of the first ships in Okinawa and one of the last to leave. Survived many kamikaze attacks, never hit."

Witnessed the Japanese surrender of the Caroline Islands aboard Portland.

He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1945 Minneapolis, Minn.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 178.

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