John Schweighardt was a member of the crew of the U.S.S. Penguin, in port at Guam when the Japanese attacked and severely damaged his ship on December 8, 1941. The crew scuttled the Penguin to keep it from falling into enemy hands before making their way to shore to continue their defense of the Island. All but six of these men were captured within the first 48 hours and interned as prisoners of war.
Sponsored by:
John
Schweighardt
POW (WWII) KIA
Home:
New Bedford
,
Massachusetts
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Gunner’s Mate First ClassDivision:
U.S.S. Penguin (AM-33)Action Date:
December 8, 1941
Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 360 (February 1947)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Gunner’s Mate First Class John Schweighardt (NSN: 2282954), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for gallantry in action as Gunner aboard the U.S.S. PENGUIN (AM-33), at Guam in the Mariana Islands, on 8 December 1941. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Gunner’s Mate First ClassDivision:
Prisoner of War (Guam)Action Date:
December 8, 1941 – December 10, 1941
NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947Gunner’s Mate First Class John Schweighardt (NSN: 2282954), United States Navy, was captured on Guam after the sinking of his ship, the U.S.S. PENGUIN (AM-33), on 8 December 1941. He was captured on the beach and executed by the Japanese on 10 December 1941 while in captivity as a Prisoner of War.