Two Brookfield Combat Veterans Honored for Their Service

Arthur J. Johnson, age 93, and the only remaining WWII Veteran member of the Jason D. Lewis Memorial VFW Post was awarded with a certificate of appreciation and achievement this past Saturday by the Town of Brookfield. He served as a Navy Motorman third Class in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the latter part of the War. Assigned to the Navy Destroyer Cahuille as an engine room technician, his vessel participated in the largest naval battle that took place in the Pacific during the war, as part of a support effort to seize control of the Japanese stronghold Okinawa. Although escort Destroyers like the Cahuille sustained among the highest losses, his ship survived the Mayhem. Over 1100 Japanese Kamikaze planes were lost during the battle. In receiving the award Johnson praised the sailors who worked up on the deck as true heroes.

Also honored was former Marine Corporal Christopher Delia. He was part of Marine Amphibious unit. During an effort to reinforce a Marine base in Lebanon, while manning a machine gun bunker, an incoming enemy rocket exploded by his bunker knocking Delia unconscious. He was evacuated to a hospital ship with severe burns and shrapnel in his body. After 3 months of recovery and rehabilitation, he returned to duty to complete his tour of duty.

Sharing their story, program moderator Gene Roberts said each man's courage and devotion to duty defined the qualities of a true American hero.