Seaman 1st Class James E. Humbert - Chicago, IL - Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

This sign honoring Seaman 1st Class James E. Humbert is located in a small park named after Seaman Humbert. The sign offers a detailed description of his service. It is located at the front of the park, facing 31st Street. The sign is hung quite high off the ground and there is a flagpole behind it.

The sign reads:

In memory of Seaman 1st Class James E. Humbert
Born April 13, 1924 - Killed in Action January 10, 1945
Aboard the U.S.S. Le Ray Wilson D.E. 414, Lingayen Attack Force Philippines

When the ship, on which he was the gunner of a twenty millimeter anti-aircraft gun, was attacked by a Japanese bomber during early morning twilight on January 10, 1945, he immeadiateley [sic] took the enemy plane under fire until it crashed into his gun station. His accurate fire inflicted damage to the plane, causing it to swerve form a course that would have inflicted grievous damage to his ship. His conduct in the face of certain disaster undoubtedly resulted in the saving of a large number of lives and prevented the infliction of heavy damage to his ship. For his heroic action, above and beyond the call of duty, he is hereby awarded the "Navy Cross".

I do not look upon the suicide attack on our ship as being a single action, but rather as a tragic climax of a series of engagements during which this ship by the Grace of God and the excellence of it's [sic] gunners had escaped injury. The action of Humbert and all the rest is more heroic when it is remembered that they had seen many other ships subjected to the same type of attacks and knew and appreciated the extreme danger of their position and the unlikelihood of their escaping with their lives at the moment of the attack. The expression that "he acted in keeping with the highest naval traditions" is an expression often freely used, and one that is sometimes, perhaps, too lightly used, when we think of the valorous deeds of our naval heroes who have gone before. With that thought in mind I do not say that Humbert acted in keeping with the highest naval traditions, I say that he made naval tradition. May his gallant act live always in the memory of a grateful nation. May Admiral Kiland know, when he reads this report, that he kept his faith in him. He was my shipmate and I am proud of him.

M.V. Carson, Jr. - Commanding officer USS Le Ray Wilson D.E. 414

Silver Star
Purple Heart
Liberation Philippines
Asian Pacific
Euro-African East Campaign
American Campaign
WW II Victory

Website pertaining to the memorial: [Web Link] List if there are any visiting hours: Public park, accessible 24 hours Entrance fees (if it applies): none Type of memorial: Sign

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