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St. John, Bernard J.

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: August 17, 1921 - October 20, 2016

Biography

Bernard "Ben" St. John was born and raised in Adams, Massachusetts. He served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) as an Avenger torpedo bomber pilot in VT-18 during World War II, from late 1944 until July 1945. While aboard Intrepid, St. John participated in attacks on Formosa and the second battle of the Philippine Sea. He also made a torpedo run on the battleship Musashi. After the war ended, St. John returned to Adams, Massachusetts, with his wife.

Chronology:
July 7, 1942
Start Date of Military Service
July 1944
Start Date of Service Aboard Intrepid
December 28, 1945
End Date of Service Aboard Intrepid

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Bernard J. St. John Oral History

 Item
Identifier: OHP 027
Scope and Contents Bernard “Ben” St. John served aboard Intrepid as an Avenger torpedo bomber pilot in VT-18 during World War II, from late 1944 until July 1945. St. John began his interview by discussing his hometown, Adams, Massachusetts, his years in high school, and some of his early jobs. He also recalled hearing about the war in Europe and later the attack on Pearl Harbor. St. John then discussed his decision to become a pilot, the different levels of pilot training, carrier quals, and his first landing...
Dates: December 7, 2013