John Kanzler
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Photo: John Kanzler, Seaman 1st Class, 1944.
John Kanzler served during World War II in the U.S. Navy from January 28, 1944, until May 10, 1946.
He was assigned to the USS Farragut, the USS Idaho, and the USS Colorado (BB45). He fired anti-aircraft weapons. His rank was Seaman 2nd Class.
Mr. Kanzler was awarded the American Campaign Medal, World War Two Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, and Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze stars.
HE was born in 1926, in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of Al and Mary Kanzler.
Source: Veterans' Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veteran's account (see below)
I joined the Navy January 28, 1944, went through boots at Farragut, Idaho. From there I went aboard the battleship U.S.S. Colorado BB45. We, the battleship Colorado, took part in the Mariana Islands, Philippine islands, and the Okinawa campaigns. After the two A-bombs were dropped, that was the end for Japan. We then went into Tokyo Bay, we were close to the battleship Missouri to see the signing of the peace. The war was over September 2,1945. Then we went home.
