Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Thomas
Wheeler
MIA (WWII) KIA

Home:

Fort Collins

, 

Colorado

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 343 (October 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant John Thomas Wheeler (NSN: 0-165349), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Control Officer of an Anti-aircraft Gun aboard the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28) in the Philippine Islands during World War II.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)

    Action Date:

    November 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01410 (February 26, 145)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant John Thomas Wheeler (NSN: 0-165349), United States Navy, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Control Officer of an anti-aircraft gun aboard the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), on 25 November 1944, off the coast of the Philippines. Lieutenant Wheeler directed the fire from his guns in the face of a crash-diving enemy aircraft approaching directly at him. With utter disregard of his personal safety he performed coolly and efficiently until this aircraft actually struck his gun platform. He is reported as Missing in Action. This courageous action was instrumental in sufficiently damaging the Japanese aircraft so that it deflected from striking a vital portion of this vessel. His courage and skill were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.