Project 888
Name: John BRAKE Jr.
Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second ClassService #: 314 69 64 DOB: 1927 From: Detroit, MI Parents: Mr. and Mrs. John Brake, Sr. Went Aboard: May 12, 1945 Age When Ship Went Down: 18 Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Carl Fahnestock (Admin) |
 BRAKE, John Jr. |
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 Seaman Second Class John Brake, Jr. was born in 1927. At the time of his passing on or about July 30, 1945 his family was living in Detroit, MI. John had four siblings: sisters Margaret, Jean and Elsie and a brother Jack who was also serving in the U.S. Navy at that time.
His family joined other Detroit families who were presented with diametrically opposed emotions having received the positive (happy) news that World War II had ended while also receiving telegrams of the sad news that one of their family members (in this case John, Jr.) had been a wartime casualty and died serving his country.
John, Jr. was 18 years of age and started his military service in February 1945. USS Indianapolis was John’s first ship and he left for sea duty on July 14. His life would end as a result of the ship’s sinking on July 30th.
Ironically, the telegram his family received followed on the heels of the peace announcement that officially ended the war with Japan. His mother was quoted as saying: “My heart laments for my lost son, but I have faith that if it is the Lord’s wish, he will return from the missing”. I’ll miss his carefree grin, his familiar voice, his footsteps about the house. But my heart is somewhat lighter with the thought that he helped bring peace to the world. I hope we have learned the cost of war and live according to God’s teachings.”
MICHIGAN MEMORIAL PLAQUE
See photographs (posted below) to view a copy of a memorial plaque that was dedicated circa 1946 to honor seventy-two (72) State of Michigan men who served on USS Indianapolis CA-35 and who were Lost At Sea.
John BRAKE, Jr.'s name is listed on the plaque!
Per the caption on one of the photos, the plaque was originally planned in 1946 for display at a proposed Detroit Civic Center. The plaque was initially displayed at the Detroit Naval Post VFW #233. However, the plaque had vanished for decades, fueling rumors of theft, being melted for scrap, or hidden away in a private basement.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Jeff Ortiz (nephew of LAS Y3 Orlando Ortiz) and Joni Deaver (cousin of LAS sailor S2c Charles Roof Jr.), this priceless piece of history has been re-discovered in the Detroit Historical Society storage basement in Michigan.
One of the photos shows Jeff Ortiz and Ralph McNabb (nephew of LAS F2 Thomas McNabb, Jr) standing behind the very dusty plaque as it was found.
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