Neighbor News
MEMORIAL DAY: George Konvalinka and His Amazing Journey
Local World War II soldier was 99
George Konvalinka never hesitated to say that the proudest moment of his life was being promoted to first mate on the USS Iowa during World War II. On his 99th birthday, I spoke to Konvalinka who began to recollect his experiences on that great ship.
In 1944, during Kouvalinka’s time on board, the Iowa was at sea in the South Pacific. The ship travelled through the Panama Canal; to Chicago, New York, and the Philippines (The USS Iowa was President Roosevelt’s ship, equipped to accommodate his wheelchair.).
Konvalinka was in charge of radar jamming equipment on the Iowa. The ship’s radar jammed enemy radar to great effect. He installed antennae from a battle station at the highest point atop the ship. According to Konvalinka, he never experienced seasickness.
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Not once was the Iowa hit or did it lose power. There were several close calls though. The Iowa refueled other ships. During a typhoon, a nearby ship was lost because the Iowa was unable to refuel in time. According to Konvalinka, he witnessed a kamikaze hit a neighboring ship while on board.
He held to his principles throughout his service; neither smoking nor drinking while in the Navy. Konvalinka hoped to receive an officer’s rank during his service but that dream never materialized.
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The Iowa arrived in Tokyo Bay for the signing of the peace treaty. Konvalinka was shocked to see how extensively the area had been bombed. Hardly anything was left standing.
After the war, Konvalinka became an electronics technician and later volunteered in the children’s education department of the Chicago Botanic Garden. He also taught religious education at St. Norbert’s Parish.
In his last remaining years, Konvalinka lived in an apartment at Covenant Living, a retirement community. He liked to watch Jeopardy.
I had the opportunity to capture an award-winning photograph of Konvalinka at the age of 99. He donned his USS Iowa hat for the photo, standing proudly for what was to be a final tribute from a sailor and true patriot.
