WWII Roll of Honour,
HistoryNT,
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Date
2021,
Place of birth
New Jersey (USA),
Date of birth
1920,
Place of enlistment
New Jersey (USA),
Date of enlistment
1939-10-04,
Nation of service
United States of America,
Service
United States Navy,
Unit
USS William B Preston (DD-344)(AVP-20)(AVD-7),
Rank
Ships Cook 2nd Class,
Service number
223-56-71,
Date of death
1942-02-19,
Place of death
USS William B Preston (DD-344)(AVP-20)(AVD-7),
Place of burial
Sea,
Memorial
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial,
Cultural heritage
American,
Honours and awards
Purple Heart,
Biographical notes
John Joseph Roberts, Ships Cook (223-56-71), was born in 1920 in New Jersey. He was the youngest of five children born to Fred and Mary K. Roberts of 476 Laurel Street, Orange, New Jersey. His father was English and his mother was born in what was then known as the Irish Free State.,
History
Enlisted on 4 October 1939 and joined the Preston on 14 June 1940.
USS William B. Preston was anchored in Darwin Harbour, tending PBY Catalinas, when the Japanese attack began on 19 February 1942. She quickly got underway, zigzagging through the crowded Harbour. Four bombs exploded off William B. Preston's bow, breaking bridge windows. She was then hit near the deckhouse, losing control of her steering and jamming the rudder. The aft living compartment was seriously damaged; the deck house was strafed and her machine guns were out of action. Fourteen men were killed, including two missing and three were wounded.
Roberts was twenty and unmarried when he died in Darwin Harbour. He was buried at sea.,
Language
English,
Subject
Second World War, 1939-1945,
Bombing of Darwin,
Roll of Honour,
Northern Territory history,
USS Preston,