JOHN T. WHEELER, LT, USN
John Wheeler '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
JOHN THOMAS WHEELER
Ft. Collins, Colorado
Perhaps by coincidence, perhaps by fate, or perhaps by a limitless ambition coupled with a fiery determination, Jay was lured to the Naval Academy hoping to find a daring vocation that could offer even more risk, excitement, and variety than his motorcycle and the winding roads over the Colorado mountains could offer. Jay, in his calm and modest way, refused to comment. We admired Jay for his frankness and truthful devotion to his friends. We can be sure of one thing—whatever field he chooses, his inventive interest in science and his vigorous desire to attain and maintain a good physique will make him a fine officer.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
JOHN THOMAS WHEELER
Ft. Collins, Colorado
Perhaps by coincidence, perhaps by fate, or perhaps by a limitless ambition coupled with a fiery determination, Jay was lured to the Naval Academy hoping to find a daring vocation that could offer even more risk, excitement, and variety than his motorcycle and the winding roads over the Colorado mountains could offer. Jay, in his calm and modest way, refused to comment. We admired Jay for his frankness and truthful devotion to his friends. We can be sure of one thing—whatever field he chooses, his inventive interest in science and his vigorous desire to attain and maintain a good physique will make him a fine officer.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
John was lost when a Japanese kamikaze aircraft struck his position aboard USS Cabot (CVL 28) on November 25, 1944. Sixty-two officers and men were killed or wounded in the attack.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
John graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1938. “We only part to meet again.” Senior Hi-Y 4; Band 1.
During the summer of 1943, he reported to the newly-commissioned Cabot. He was promoted to lieutenant senior grade in June 1944, and a month before his death, he became Fifth division officer.
Sadly, John never met his daughter Linda Ann. His father was Raymond, a fireman, and his mother was Opal. His sister Sue learned that her husband Captain William W. Laird, had been killed August 14, 1945, in a vehicle accident in northern Italy. He was an officer of an Army veterinary company.
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
Jay was born in Casper, Missouri on 20 September 1920. He was appointed from Colorado and entered the Academy 28 June 1939. Upon graduation he reported to the battleship USS PENNSYLVANIA and served aboard her until July 1943. The PENNSYLVANIA participated in the Aleutian Campaign during this period. Jay then returned to the States to fit out and commission the carrier USS CABOT. On 25 November 1944 while the CABOT was engaged in combat with the enemy Jay lost his life. He earned the Silver Star Medal. The citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Control Officer of an Antiaircraft Gun on board the USS. CABOT, in action against enemy Japanese forces off the coast of the Philippine Islands on November 25, 1944. Fearlessly risking his life to direct the salvos of his powerful gun battery during a sustained Japanese aerial attack, Lieutenant Wheeler rendered outstanding service in defense of his ship, remaining steadfast at his station as a crash-diving enemy plane plunged directly toward him and continuing to order the well-placed fire of his weapon until the hostile craft struck his gun platform. By his inspiring leadership, resolute fortitude and tenacious determination, Lieutenant Wheeler succeeded in severely damaging the Japanese plane and deflecting it from crashing into a vital portion of the CABOT, thereby contributing materially to the safety of his carrier and the planes of Air Group TWENTY-NINE embarked on board. His valiant devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant Wheeler and the United States Naval Service.
In addition to the Silver Star, Jay was entitled to wear the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Med al. He was survived by his wife Betty L. and their daughter Linda Ann who at Jay's death resided at 619 Whedbee Street, Fort Collins, Colorado.
His wife was listed as next of kin.
John is remembered at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
Silver Star
From Hall of Valor:
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.
General Orders: Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01410 (February 26, 145)
Action Date: 25-Nov-44
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Control Officer
Division: U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28)
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