Iver Pellervo Valkama
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
VALKAMA, Iver Pellervo
Iver Pellervo Valkama was born on November 24th 1923 to Issac & Aino [Palkkonen] Valkama in Virginia, Minnesota.
Mr. Valkama was inducted into the Navy (Seabees) in July 26th 1943.
Mr. Valkama served as a Shipfitter Third Class and welder with the Pontoon Assembly Detachment of the 127th Naval Construction Battalion in the Pacific Theater.
He recalls; "Set up pontoons, welding, and fitting on LSTs for landings. Participated in landings on Samar, Leyte, and Philippines in 1944. Continued building pontoons, causeways, barges, drydocks that were used in New Guinea, Admiralties, New Britain, and Borneo with the Australian forces. Based in Milne Bay, New Guinea, until the cease-fire in September 1945."
Mr. Valkama was discharged in March 12th 1946. He died on November 12th 1998 at the age of 74. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia, Minnesota.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 329.
Iver P Valkama in Social Security Death Index - Fold3
Iver P Valkama (1923-1998) - Find A Grave Memorial
U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947 - Ancestry.com
