Leo J. Borash

Leo J. Borash

Mr. Borash entered the Navy. He served as a Control Petty Officer aboard the USS Birmingham CL-62 (The Mighty B) in the Atlantic, North and South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and North China Sea.

Mastered the controls in the main engine room and related orders received to three other engine rooms which had 25,000 horsepower each for a total of 100,000 horsepower. Was bombed and torpedoed during the battles of Bougainville, Leyte, and Okinawa. There were many sailors wounded and killed and buried at sea. The last two battles were Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Was very fortunate to see the flag raised on Iwo Jima. After the peace treaty was signed in Japan, traveled to the three most southern countries to close Naval bases. During quiet times played on the Mighty B's makeshift band. Played the organ (mouth organ that is) in the band. Would start a concert with "There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" and end with "Pistol Packing Mama" with different words.

Source: Hometown Heroes:  The Saint Louis County World War II Project, page 352.

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