Leo Louis Kusi
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Leo Louis Kusi served during World War II in the U.S. Navy from January 1946 until December 1947.
He trained at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, just south of Wisconsin and was assigned to the USS North Carolina (BB-55) for 14 months. The last three months (after the ship was de-commissioned), he helped ready it for storage at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He was then transferred to Green Cove Springs, Florida. His rank was Fireman 1st Class.
The USS North Carolina was towed to Bayonne, New Jersey. In 1961. The state of North Carolina purchased it and brought it to Wilmington, North Carolina where it is now a museum.
He was born on February 17, 192_, the son of Leonard and Julianna Kusi, in Warren City, Pittsfield, Pennsylvania.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veteran account (see below)
"I joined the Navy at Bemidji, Minnesota, at age 17. I took my training at Great Lakes Naval Base, Wisconsin. After boots I was assigned to the U.S.S. North Carolina (BB-55). I spent 14 months aboard. The last 3 months I helped de-commission and put ship in mothballs at Brooklyn Navy Yard, it was towed and left at Bayonne, New Jersey. In 1961, the state of North Carolina purchased the ship and had it towed to Wilmington, North Carolina, where it is now a museum. I was transferred to Green Cove Springs, Florida. From there was discharged in December 1947.
