David John Roche
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
ROCHE, David John
David John Roche entered the Navy on November 12th 1939. Home at entry: Hibbing, Minnesota.
Mr. Roche was a Commissioned Ensign and served as a naval aviator with the Fleet Air Wing in the Pacific Theater.
Notes from veteran's brother, George Gerald Roche:
"David served as a torpedo bomber pilot with Squadron TB3 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga, and was killed in action during the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942."
"'He was awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart medals. The destroyer-escort USS-Roche (DE197), commissioned February 21, 1944, was named in his honor. The Roche was one of the first ships to enter Tokyo Bay. A depth charge blew off the stern (back) of the ship and today it is sunk on the east coast of Japan. The crew of the Roche has reunions on the odd years. In 1993 the members of David's family were invited to Las Vegas - a nice tribute."
Source(s): Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 268.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
David J Roche: PERSON, pictures and information - Fold3 - Fold3
