John Charles

Background

John Charles England was born in Harris, Missouri, on December 11, 1920.

Education

He attended Alhambra High School, as did his sister Lennie England (Bemiss). He later attended Pasadena City College, Pasadena, California graduating in 1940. He was a Yell King on the Pep Commission, a member of the Players Guild, where he was in the cast of their annual fall presentation of, "Bachelor Born." He was also a member of Delta Psi Omega, a national honorary dramatics fraternity performing in their annual spring production, "Outward Bound." J.C. graduated in spring, 1940.

After active duty training on board the United States Ship New York from November 25, to December 21, 1940 he attended Naval Reserve Midshipman"s School, New York, New York and was appointed Midshipman, United States Naval Reserve, March 6, 1941.

He completed his training on June 5 and was commissioned Ensign, United States Naval Reserve, June 6, 1941.

Career

His family then moved to Alhambra, California. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve as an Apprentice Seaman at Los Angeles on September 6, 1940. He was next assigned duty under instruction at the Naval Radio School, Norton Heights, Connecticut, reporting June 20, 1941.

Upon detachment from school, he reported on September 3, 1941 to the United States Ship Oklahoma at Pearl Harbor.

That morning the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States Ship Oklahoma was one of their first targets. Oklahoma was moored at Battleship Row 7, outboard alongside Maryland.

United States Ship Oklahoma took 3 torpedo hits almost immediately after the first Japanese bombs fell. As she began to capsize, 2 more torpedoes struck home, and her men were strafed as they abandoned ship.

Within 20 minutes after the attack began, she had swung over until halted by her masts touching bottom, her starboard side above water, and a part of her keel clear.

Ensign England survived the initial attack and escaped topside as the ship was capsizing. He remembered the men still in the radio room. He returned three times to the radio room, each time guiding a man to safety.

He left to go back below decks for the fourth time and was never seen again.

He was one of twenty officers and 395 enlisted men who were killed on board United States Ship Oklahoma that morning. Ensign England"s gallant effort saved three men, but cost him his life.

His family would hear of his death by Postal Telegram sent by Rear Admiral Nimitz on December 16, 1941.

Achievements

• Two ships have been named United States Ship England for him. In 1943, the United States Ship England (Delaware-635) was named to honor John Charles England and his heroism. His mother Thelma cracked the ceremonial bottle of champagne on England "s bow in San Francisco Harbor on September 26, 1943. Lennie England served as maid of honor and kept the ribbon wrapped bottle until her death in 1995. The second ship to bear the name, United States Ship England (DLG-22) was launched in 1962. Alhambra High School continues to award the John C. England award to their most outstanding senior each year. BEQ 836 at NSTC Great Lakes is also named in honor of England.

Connections

Friend:

John C. England