Messer, Johnny Jr.

Word was received by Mr and Mrs. John Messer, 224 North Connell Avenue, Picher Oklahoma that their on Johnny Messer, Jr. Had been killed recently in action somewhere in the Pacific and had been buried on the island. No details were stated in the telegram. He entered the service in November, 1942...he left the United States in Nov of 1943 and had been serving his country in the Pacific area since then. He was a Picher graduate in 1940. He was employed by the Durnil undertaking in Picher. He had attained the rank of Pharmacist First Class. A photo.

a photo in uniform. Messer a awarded the Navy Cross post-humously for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Marines in Saipan in the Marianas Islands last July 7, 1944, the Navy Department announced May 18, 1945. Messer was 21 years old...

Mr. and Mrs. John Messer drove to McAllester Oklahoma Tuesday evening and were presented the Navy Cross for their son, Pharm. Mate John Messer, Jr. From McAllister, Mr. and Mrs. Messer went on to Clovis New Mexico to visit their daughter and family, Lieut. And Mrs. Leroy Parkison and daughter.

a letter from MOMM 2-c J. E. Roberts, of Picher concerning his being able to decorate John Messer's grave in Saipan on Decoration Day. He also enclosed a poem which a Marine had recited at the ceremony. Note: Pages of the newspaper are mis-dated Aug 23, 1945.