John M. Roddy, Jr., Motor Machinist's Mate 3rd Class

A sailor who served on board multiple amphibious landing ships in WWII, MOMM3C Roddy's service is remembered by the Roddy Girls.

John M. Roddy, Jr. was born on 16 July 1926 in Chicago, Illinois. 

He volunteered after graduating high school and was inducted on 6 November 1944 as an Apprentice Seaman, Class V-6, U.S. Naval Reserve, SV, for a period of two years.

He went to Basic Training at USNRS Great Lakes, Illinois where he completed a course of instruction in Fire Fighting School, Basic Engineering and was qualified as a Rifle Marksman. He transferred to San Diego, California in January 1945 where he completed Class “A” Diesel school in April and was then transferred to the Navy Barracks, Port Hueneme, CA July 1945 before serving in the South Pacific on the ships: USS LCI(G) 470, USS LST 688, USS LST 535 and USS LST 711.

He was awarded an American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and a Victory Medal. He crossed the 180th Meridian and was inducted into the realm of the Golden Dragon. He served with the Occupation Forces in Japan and China and was honorably discharged in June 1946.

He married Mary Carroll in Chicago in 1949 and had 6 daughters. He worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company (later AT&T), retiring as an Area Manager. He passed away on 26 August 1990 and is sadly missed by his family.

Book Dedicated: The Honorable Conquerors: The Occupation of Japan 1945-1952 by Walter J. Sheldon