US Navy
Good Conduct Medal
Y1C Henry Laakmann
(Indianapolis)
Y1c Laakman was a crewmember aboard the USS Rowan when it was torpedoed by a German E-Boat of the coast of Salerno on Spetmeber 9, 1943. His remains were never recovered.
From his memorial service program held at the Lizton (Indiana) Methodist Church on October 8, 1944:
"Henry Frederick Laakman, the son of Otto C. and Pauline Laakman, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 14, 1917 and gave his life in the service of his country, September 12, 1943 at the age of twenty five years, nine months, twenty-six days.
His childhood was spent in Indianapolis where he attended the Lowell School. At the age of eleven he moved with his parents to Lizton where he remained throughout his youth graduating from Lizton High School in the class of 1937. Recognizing the responsibility of his diversified talents, he began the preparation for his life work by enrolling with the Indianapolis Pharmacy College while taking special courses with the Extension School of Indiana University. In this period he also sought to develop his talent for painting by studying at the John Herron Art Institute.
Anticipating the gravity of the times, Henry enlisted in the service of his country choosing the Navy. He had his preliminary training at Newport, Rhode Island. and studied in yeomanry and radio schools at Norfolk, Virginia. Prior to the entry of this country into the war, he served on the aircraft carrier, Lexington, in the Pacific area. From this service he transferred to the destroyer, Rowan. On this ship he did convoy duty in the north Atlantic and took part in the invasions of North Africa and Sicily. On September 12, 1943, he was lost in action supporting the invasion of Salerno.
Henry was an ideal American boy — talented, patriotic, home-loving, and deeply religious. He confessed his faith for his Savior by joining the Lizton Methodist Church April 27, 1930 under the ministry of Rev. H. W. Crider. This faith was re-affirmed in a letter to the pastor and young people of this church written just seven days before his death.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."
Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO) Document
BM2C Gerald F. Kaiser
(Knox)
SACO was a U.S. Naval Group which operated during World War II behind Japanese lines in China.
About 2,500 Sailors and Marines trained and operated with Chinese guerilla forces, often behind Japanese lines. SACO operated in the China-Burma-India theater, advising and training, forecasting weather and scouting landing areas for USN fleet and Gen Claire Chennault’s 14th AF, rescuing downed American flyers, and intercepting Japanese radio traffic. An underlying mission objective during the last year of war was the development and preparation of the China coast for Allied penetration and occupation.
BM2C Kaiser joined the Navy in August, 1941 and received his training at the Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Illinois. He was assigned to the US Naval Group, China in September , 1944 and remained with this command until his discharge in October, 1945.
Aviation Working Greens
Commander Milton F. Popp, M.D.
(Fort Wayne)
Upon completion of training at Naval Air Training Center (NATC) in Pensacola, Florida, Popp was assigned to the USS Independence. He participated in 9 campaigns and was discharged in 1946.
His awards include the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with four campaign stars, Philippine Liberation Medal with three campaign stars, American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal.
After the war, Lieutenant Commander Popp returned to Fort Wayne to resume his practice.
Service Dress, Blue
Chief Aviation Storekeeper
Betty Conrad
(Indianapolis)
Enlisting in the Navy as part of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in December, 1943. AKCA Conrad served at Naval Air Station Norfolk in Virginia.
The photo of Conrad shows her wearing the service dress hat, jacket and purse that are seen here. Also shown is her seersucker hat worn with the gray working uniform.
Imperial Japanese Navy Souvenir
Seaman 2nd Class
Vernon B. Ooley
(Evansville)
After the war, S2c Ooley was part of a team that prepared the Japanese battleship Nagato ready to sail again. The Nagato was to be used later as a target for an atomic bomb test (Operation Crossroads).
The Nagato was Admiral Yamamoto's flag ship for the attack on Pearl Harbor. On 25 July 1946, as part of the test, she was badly damaged by an underwater explosion and sank 5 days later.
Jumper and Trousers
SC2c John L. Lontz
(Kentland)
Ships Cook 2nd class served aboard the submarine R-6 (SS83) from 1944-1945. The uniform is a custom tailored uniform with a bullion submariner's insignia and embroidered tags with his name.
Enlisted White Jumper
PhM1C Charles L. Borkes
(Indianapolis)
Pharmacist Mate 1st Class Borkes served with FOXY 29, a special medical unit made up of doctors and corpsmen.
During the June 6, 1944 invasion of Normandy, France, Borkes served aboard LST 51. The LST was modified to act as surgical ward and transport for the wounded.
After the invasion, he was transferred to the Andromeda and participated in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France.
