Richard Louis Haenke
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
HAENKE, Richard Louis
Richard Louis Haenke was born on April 18th 1926 in Duluth, Minnesota; the son of William & Gladys Haenke.
Mr. Haenke was inducted in the U.S. Navy in April 1944 and did bootcamp in Idaho. He served in World War II in the South Pacific in the U.S. Navy from June 6, 1944, until June 13th 1946. He was assigned to the USS Presidio (APA-88).
He achieved the rank of Ships Cook 3rd class (CSG3).
CSG3 Haeke received a number of South Pacific Theater decorations.
After the war, he returned home to northern Minnesota and married Therese (Valley) and started a family.
Mr. Haenke died August 25th 2014, at St. Raphael's Health & Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth. He is buried at Little Flower Cenetery in Rugby, North Dakota.
Source(s): Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form
Veteran’s account (see below)
"I was inducted into the Navy in April 1944. The Navy let me finish the 12th grade. I graduated June 5th and left the next day for boot camp at Idaho Training Center. I then was sent to Cooks and Bakers School at Treasure Island in California for 3 months. I was assigned to APA-88 in October 1944. We immediately were sent to the South Pacific where we were engaged in numerous operations. I received an honorable discharge based on points at Great Lakes N.T.C.
"I want to thank everyone responsible for the trip to Washington, D.C. It was the most wonderful experience, and I am so honored to be able to be included. Truly a first class trip."
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
Page 1 WWII Draft Registration Cards - Fold3
Richard Louis “Dick” Haenke (1926-2014) - Find a Grave Memorial
