James Edward Haenke

James Edward Haenke served in World War II in the U.S. Navy beginning on May 9, 1945. He was assigned to the USS Chandeleur (AV-10), the USS Marlboro, and the USS B. W. Reid.

He achieved the rank of Fireman 1st Class and was decorated with the World War II Victory Medal and the Pacific Theater of Operations medal.

Mr. Haenke was born in 1927 in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of William H. and Gladys Haenke. He graduated from high school in 1945.

Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s personal account (below)

"Approximately four days out of San Francisco I was on duty in the fire room when I heard some muffled booming noise. Just then our chief water tender came down the ladder. I asked him what was going on up topside. His reply was they had spotted a Jap mine, so the one side of the ship started firing at it with the 20's and 40's. Don’t know if we hit it or not. May have been a dud."

Support The Museum - Help us continue our work of saving and educating the public about our local veterans. Visit us on Facebook and keep up to date with us!

Sign up for eNews