World War II Database

USS Bunker Hill was commissioned during WW2. She was sent to the Pacific Ocean, participating in the strike on Rabaul, New Britain on 11 Nov 1943 six months after her commissioning. She then took part in the Gilbert Islands invasion, an attack on Kavieng in New Ireland, the Marshall Islands invasion, the carrier raid on Truk in the Caroline Islands, the Mariana Islands invasion, and many raids on Japanese bases across the Pacific Ocean. On 6 Nov 1944, she entered a period of maintenance and repairs at Puget Sound Navy Yard in Washington, United States, and did not return to combat until 24 Jan 1945. In Feb 1945, she launched aircraft to support the Iwo Jima invasion. Later that month, Bunker Hill's aircraft raided the Japanese home islands. In Apr 1945, she supported the Okinawa invasion, where her aircraft was involved in the sinking of the battleship Yamato.

On 11 May 1945, while off Okinawa, Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze special attack aircraft. The first was a Zero fighter, whose 250-kilogram bomb tore through the vessel and exploded in the sea before the aircraft struck the flight deck and started a fire. 30 seconds later, Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa (also flying a Zero fighter) repeated the same attack, dropping his 250-kilogram bomb, which ignited aviation fuel, before plunging into the flight deck near the control tower. The two kamikaze special attacks killed 373 men aboard USS Bunker Hill and wounded 264 more. Badly damaged, she limped back to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for repairs. When she re-emerged from the shipyard in Sep 1945, the war was already over. Her last active duty mission was Operation Magic Carpet in which she brought home troops from the Pacific.

While being on the decommissioned reserve list, USS Bunker Hill was re-classified several times. In May 1959, her final re-classification named her an auxiliary aircraft landing training vessel (AVT). She was used as a stationary electronics test platform in the 1960s and early 1970s, and was sold for scrap in May 1973.

USS Bunker Hill Operational Timeline

Photographs

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Chris Bradley says:
   13 May 2008 06:27:56 AM
   
   How can I find information on James Shepard serving on the USS Bunker Hill in WW2? This is my uncle and I would like to get details of his medals.
2. Misty Thompson says:
   30 Oct 2008 06:37:46 PM
   
   my grandpa severed on the USS Bunker Hill during the years 44 and 45. He died b4 i was born and i was wondndering where i can find people who served with him and where i can fined any information about him on the ship.
3. Dorothy says:
   25 Jan 2009 01:59:06 PM
   
   How can I find infomation on Peter Angelo who was killed on the bunker hill by kamikaze.
4. David Joseph says:
   2 Mar 2009 05:12:06 PM
   
   My Uncle Robert J. Slattery (Navy photographer) served on the Bunker Hill @1941 and died last year (also served on the Omaha). I am trying to find any information about his service. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated.
   Thanks!
5. Anonymous says:
   20 Jun 2009 07:06:32 PM
   
   I am in the Solomon Islands, and know that my father was here on the Bunker Hill in World War II. How can I find out information about him at that time? His name was George Kronenberg
   Thank you.
   
6. rich mcmann says:
   27 Jul 2009 05:20:51 AM
   
   does anyone remember a gene obrien who served on the uss bunker hill during ww/ii
7. Anonymous says:
   6 Jan 2010 09:29:53 AM
   
   Yo im doing research on kamikaze pilots and was wondering where i could find more info on the USS Bunker Hill bombing? Thx!
8. brad miller says:
   9 Mar 2010 12:14:18 AM
   
   my great uncle bob nelson served on bunker hill.
9. Dianne Allen says:
   7 Apr 2010 07:37:49 PM
   
   My father-in-law's first cousin, Lt. John T. Gildea served as a pilot based on the Bunker Hill. He was Colorado's most decorated military figure at that time. He was killed by kamikaze attacks on May 11, 1945.
10. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2010 11:04:45 PM
    
    my grand father served on the uss bunker hill when the **** attack the ship
11. Vicki Ward says:
    24 May 2010 10:39:12 AM
    
    My Uncle served on the USS Bunker Hill when the ship was attacked in World War II. How can I get information on William McParlin. He survived the attack. He was from NYC
12. Anonymous says:
    15 Jun 2010 07:02:18 AM
    
    looking for information of Jesse Franklin Brooks Fr. who was on the Bunker Hill when it was attacked
13. Anonymous says:
    4 Jul 2010 12:32:25 PM
    
    My mom's brother, William D Dobbs (AKA "WD" or "Bill") was injured during the Kamikaze attacks on 5/11/45 (according to oral family history). I found a list of injured servicemen from one of the papers at the time with his name on it but would love to find out if the oral history is true. Mom said he won a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.
14. Robert E. Martin says:
    3 Aug 2010 05:59:59 PM
    
    I would like to hear from anyone who has any information on Ensign Warren L. Hillard. He was a pilot on the USS Bunker Hill and was killed by the Kamikaze attack May 11 ,1945.
15. BRUCE BROWN says:
    26 Aug 2010 11:24:32 AM
    
    MY DAD WAS ON THE BUNKER HILL IN 45 WHEN IT WAS BOMBED. DARRELL V BROWN ( BROWNIE ) HE PASSED AWAY TEN YEARS AGO WHAT A MAN ! NEVER TALKED ABOUT THE WAR MUCH HE WOULD JUST SAY WAR ARE NO GOOD. I REMEMBER GOING TO THE SHIPS REUNIONS WHEN I WAS A KID . OH THE STORYS . THATS WHEN MEN WERE MEN OR KIDS CHANGED MEN. WENT TO PENSACOLA FLORIDA NAVAL MUSEUM LAST YEAR THE FLIGHT DECK OFF OF C17 IS THERE AND THE HISTORY IS THERE . I WAS IN SHOCK HAD TO STOP AND TELL EVERONE MY DAD WAS ON THAT SHIP I WAS THE MOST PROUD SON IN THE WORLD. GOD BLESS YOU DAD I MISS YOU!
16. Peter Barrows says:
    27 Aug 2010 06:25:32 AM
    
    For those searching for news of relatives, I recommend USS Bunker Hill Association ( http://www.ussbunkerhill.net/ . Tom Kelly former VT-84 gunner is the webmaster. It is very helpful if you know whether they were Ship's Company ie permanently assigned, or Staff, came and went with the Admiral, or Attached Air Group came and went with the planes. Bunker had 4 Air Groups each had 3 or 5 Squadrons. They were CVG-17 1943-44 consisting of VF-18, VB-17 & VT-17 CVG-8 1944 probably all were 8's CVG-4 the same, and CVG-84 "The Wolf Gang" 1945 consisting of VF-84, VMF-221, VMF-452, VB-84, my Dad's, and VT-84.
    I'm always looking for Wolf Gang vets.
17. MilSpecArt says:
    26 Oct 2010 04:27:58 PM
    
    If anyone wishes to know more about the Bunker Hill, I have a friend who was there the day she was hit by the two kamikaze aircraft. Email me at pleiku at comcast dot net.
18. Anonymous says:
    27 Oct 2010 11:21:17 PM
    
    My Dad, George Lansing was only 17 years old when he served on the Bunker Hill in 1945 when it was hit by the kamikazes. I would love to know if there is anyone who remembers him. Please Email me at elizabethtlansing@yahoo.com God Bless him and all that serve their country.
19. N.E. (Bobby) Spottswood Sr. says:
    31 Oct 2010 07:21:51 PM
    
    I write a Seniors Column for the Navarre Florida Navarre Press weekly newspaper I'm writing wartime experiences of WW II veterans that went on our recent Honor Flight May I use your info Re: USS Bunker Hill hit by two Kamikaze off Okinawa? Thank you.
20. Anonymous says:
    10 Nov 2010 10:06:21 AM
    
    Marjorie Hastings of Natick glances up at the memorial for her brother, Lt. j.g. Clifford Carter, at the corner of Mount Wayte Avenue and Dudley Road in Framingham. Carter was killed during a Kamikaze attack on the USS Bunker Hill in the closing months of World War II.
    
21. Anonymous says:
    24 Nov 2010 06:00:56 AM
    
    I just realy feel bad about all the people thaty died and I am also blessed about all the people that lived praise the LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
22. Anonymous says:
    24 Nov 2010 06:03:02 AM
    
    Hi I am in 7th grade and I have to do a term paper over this i was about to cry when I saw the pictures of this.:(
23. Wayne says:
    29 Jan 2011 03:04:26 PM
    
    My Grandfather was on the ship when the comicazi slammed into her. The way the story goes is that they had to chain the ship together to get it back to port. Also after one of the planes hit the deck one of the Japanese pilots, didn't say how much of the pilot, landed on the deck away from the explosion. The pilot was wearing a large diamond ring. One of the upper officers saw this and tried removing the ring and was not successful. So he whip out his knife and removed the finger from the pilot and then removed the ring from the finger. Put it in his pocket and went on his way. That's how I heard it. My grand fathers name was Cole Gammon. Does anyone remember him?
24. Walter Vatcher says:
    11 Feb 2011 11:12:26 AM
    
    How do I find information concerning that aircraft carrier my father served on in WW2. His name is Walter "Blackie" Vatcher DOB: 9-29-1929 and was a Corsair pilot in the Pacific Campaign of WW2.
25. Sue Gray says:
    12 Feb 2011 03:22:16 PM
    
    My uncle Lt. Ellis Littlejohn was a Corsair Pilot on The Bunker Hill.He was Shot down in April of 1945. Any information would be greatly appreciated
26. Louise says:
    10 Mar 2011 02:22:03 PM
    
    looking for information on George Makuchan (Elmer). Anyone know him? He was GM C3 1st division.
27. Joe Hudson says:
    30 Mar 2011 08:39:37 PM
    
    I was walking across flight deck of the USS Randolph and saw the Bunker Hill when she was hit by two kamikazes. I helped throw life jackets to some of those blow off the ship. I could never find out if my good friend Hubbard Dykes was killed. He was a dive bomber gunner in that Air Group.
28. Anonymous says:
    8 Apr 2011 02:25:18 PM
    
    My grandfather was the dentist on the bunker hill. Lt.Com. Paul Whittaker, dose anyone know or hear his name?
29. Anonymous says:
    17 May 2011 11:27:14 AM
    
    how couldI find something on Roger Glans? he died after I was born and I can't find anything about him. he was a radio operatior.
30. Cory L Bailey says:
    23 May 2011 01:50:05 PM
    
    Hi
    am looking for any info and pics of my uncle
    ENS KENNETH W. WATKINS, Shot down Nov 14, 1944
    Thanks
    Cory
31. Anonymous says:
    6 Jun 2011 11:07:20 PM
    
    My grandfather William Hayes was on the Bunker Hill when it was hit. Would love to hear from anyone who might have known him.
32. Roger E Glans (daughter-in-law, Paula) says:
    12 Jul 2011 03:37:00 PM
    
    Roger Elmer Glans served on board the USS Bunker Hill. He was a radioman / radio operator at the time of the major kamikaze attack. We have a video taped radio interview of him discussing that horrible day in his history. Roger was a writer and reflected some of his memories, which were translated and published in a Japanese veterans publication. Roger wrote a book on his time at Farragut Naval Station, Idaho. There had been annual September reunions until a couple of years ago at the lake. Roger's publication remains available at their museum / gift shop. Roger was an honorable soldier, veteran, father and grandfather. He passed away in June of 2002 and is buried at Fort Snelling Cemetary in Minneapolis Minnesota. His widow, Carol Glans, resides in Everett, Washington (formerly Plymouth Minnesota) along with Roger's eldest son and family. My sincere thank you to the person who organized this website and best wishes to all the readers and success in getting your questions answered.
33. Lawson holladay says:
    17 Oct 2011 02:03:27 PM
    
    My Dad, R.W.(Bill) Holladay, was a pilot in VB-84. He passed away in 1991 and I miss him. I see a post from Pete Barrows,whose Dad was in the same squadron. I have not heard from Pete in some time.I understand that Richie Elliott has passed away. Are any of the pilots in VB-84 still alive? If so, tell them hello .
34. Liz Maresca says:
    26 Dec 2011 06:04:49 PM
    
    My dad Arnold Maresca served on the UssBunker Hill Aircraft Carrier CV17. He was nicknamed "wheels". He was a radioman
    I would love to hear from anyone who knew him and had stories to tell of him. If you knew him please contact me at email address.
    bowliz1@aol.com thank you and god bless.
35. john flynn says:
    26 Dec 2011 07:43:26 PM
    
    my dad also was on the bunkerhill when it was hit. he was 19 never said to much about it.or i didnt here him. he died 24 yrs ago at age 63 his name was phillip m flynn. im 50 now and very interested in this. i did go a renion in boston about 27 yrs ago. i miss him....son john j flynn
36. JOHN MARINELLI FWD ENGINE RM says:
    24 Jan 2012 10:30:22 PM
    
    ANYONE AROUND WHO WAS WITH ME IN THE ENGINE RM WITH ME CAPTAIN JOE CARMICAL WHO HELP SAVE THE JUST PASSED ON A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO HE HAD AGOOD WRIGHT UP IN THE BOOK DANGERS HOUR ALL ABOUT THE BUNKER HILL WHEN HIT 2 KAMAKIZE PILOTS
37. john flynn says:
    19 Feb 2012 01:22:05 AM
    
    my dad phillip flynn was on uss bunker hill 1942-45 birthday was may 11 day it was hit. he was a cook and went in big ref in kitchen. the rest burned to death.thank good... from lynn ma lost brother joe in 1943 after training.
38. Anonymous says:
    3 Mar 2012 10:35:31 PM
    
    MY FATHER WAS IN THE CORP AND MANNED TWIN 40'S AAA WHILE ASSIGNED TO THE HILL IN THE ATTACK OF MAY 11 1945 AND WAS WOUNDED THERE ANYONE ONE WITH PHOTOS FROM THE BRONW BOOK FROM THE HILL ADVISE NAME/ PFC LYLE C. FERRIS USMC
39. Anonymous says:
    12 Mar 2012 05:36:51 AM
    
    My dad was the ARM II in bombing squadron 8 and did 50 missions from her during WW II.
    James Costlow
40. clay davis says:
    24 Mar 2012 08:41:23 AM
    
    My uncle Pierce Clayton Bennett Jr was an aircrewman onboard the USS Bunker Hill. He had recently turned 20 one month before that horrible day in May. He didn't speak about it very much but mentioned that so many of the men died and had been horribly burned. I know it had scarred his memory. My grandmother told me that "Uncle Bud" had lost his taste for ham because that was what he was served that day. Bud you will always be my beloved uncle and always remembered.
41. Peter Perkins says:
    14 May 2012 07:24:51 AM
    
    My dad, Henry M. Perkins Jr., Fireman First Class was in the forward engine room and survived. He died in 1989. Does anyone remember him? Do you remember him John Marinelli? His notes mentioned a J.M. OLeary F 1/c and several wt 1/c. Thank you for your service and in advance of any info you may have on my dad,
42. Kathryn Kauffman says:
    10 Jun 2012 01:54:21 PM
    
    My Father was on the Bunker Hill when she was hit by the kamikaze strike.He survived the war and recently passed away in 2010. I know that he had worked the gunners mount but I don't know if it was on this ship or another one he sailed on. He was a young country boy from Pennsylvania if anyone would remember him. He once said the music at the funeral for the men that died on the Bunker Hill was the most moving and beautiful memorial he ever heard. So we played that for him during his funeral. Father's day is coming up.....so wherever he is I wish him the best Father's day ever. He was the best Dad. Love Kat
43. Anonymous says:
    10 Jul 2012 07:12:34 AM
    
    Here is a link to a transcribed newspaper clipping about the attack on the Bunker Hill - some who served are mentioned, including my dad.
    http://www.pagenweb.org/~luzerne/military/wwii-7.htm
44. JOHN MARINELLI FWD ENGINE RM says:
    10 Jul 2012 06:07:14 PM
    
    he was in the fwd eng because he cood not get to his battle station which was the fwd boiler rm because of fire most of the men in the fwd boiler died fromsmoke we had acouple of men try to get to them but were turned back by fire there was awrightup in the seattle news paper about this that ihave
45. john connell jr says:
    11 Jul 2012 06:13:22 PM
    
    My Dad John P Connell Sr was on board during the attack, if any one remembers him please leave a message
46. Mary says:
    1 Aug 2012 01:03:23 PM
    
    Is there a list of casualties anywhere? I believe my great-uncle Thomas (Tom) Lee Womack died during the kamikaze attack and would love to find out any info. Thank you!
47. Sean Harvey says:
    15 Oct 2012 12:40:47 PM
    
    In memory of Warren Philip Harvey
    Served from 42 - 45 on the Bunker Hill till she was hit by Kamikazes at Okinawa
48. Diane says:
    11 Nov 2012 09:36:25 AM
    
    My dad survived the kamikazee attack on the USS Bunker Hill. His name was Frank (Jake)Handzlik and his nickname was Lucky. He was a tailgunner and a radioman. He had just come in from a mission and was in bed when everything started to happen. He took the time to put on a pair of pants before he headed to his safe station. When he got there he was told it was full and he left... all the men in that safe station were killed. I think that ate at him for the rest of his life.
    
    If anyone remembers him, you can contact me at dianeh@villa.edu. He's greatly missed.
49. Brent Jones says:
    8 Dec 2012 06:03:13 AM
    
    For everyone inquiring about USS Bunker Hill CV-17 at the time of the Kamikaze attacks of 11 May 1945, I found the ship's Report of Changes for the month on Ancestry.com along with the Muster Roll from the time. It has an alphabetical listing of enlisted USN personnel including rate at the time, as well as a listing of those Killed in Action. Feel free to email me at brentj@mighty90.com.
50. C. Peter Chen says:
    8 Dec 2012 08:25:52 AM
    
    Thanks for the info Brent.
51. Peter says:
    5 Jan 2013 12:47:57 PM
    
    I am seeking a living relative of a Joseph Tempio of Paterson,NJ. It is extremely likely that Joseph died on the USS Bunker Hill. There was a Purple Heart and letter from Harry S.Truman for Mr. Tempio that made its way into a safety deposit box in NJ.I would like to reunite this Purple Heart with a relative(no matter how distant)of Mr. Tempio.Realizing it maybe a long shot,I have contacted the VFW and other Naval related authorities.
52. Peter says:
    20 Jan 2013 01:18:45 PM
    
    I am attempting to locate a surviving family member of Joseph Tempio USNR Parachute Rigger 3rd class of Paterson,NJ who perished on the U.S.S.Bunker Hill on 5-11-1945. He and his wife Mafalda did not have a child. My wife's grandfather,Anthony Ammirato married the widow Mafalda and produced a son,Anthony Ammirato Jr. Sadly A.Ammirato Jr. perished in a house fire in Puerto Rico in late 2009. A Purple Heart and letter from Harry S.Truman was found among his possession in a safety deposit box. My search with all Veterans orginizations produced no results as did contacting all Catholic Churches in both Paterson,NJ and Passiac,NJ. where Mr. Tempio was from.Any assistance you can give me> Thanks,
    Pete Szewzek,Springfield,NJ. szewze363@aol.com
53. Charles E Tempio, Esq. says:
    30 Jan 2013 08:04:20 PM
    
    Joseph Tempio was a brother of my grandfather Salvatore Tempio, who is now deceased. My Great Uncles, David Tempio and Angelo Tempio who are Joseph's brothers are still alive.
    You can contact me at tempioc@gmail.com
54. John F. Greear III says:
    28 Mar 2013 10:24:44 PM
    
    This is really a great site. I have been workinf on and off onthe conditions in sickbay aboard USS Enterprise on 14 January 1968 see www.BigEFire.com Parallels sure exist. Those who lost loved ones still need to know what happened. Project well worth the time so many can obtain closure.
55. John F. Greear III says:
    29 Mar 2013 12:26:55 PM
    
    Two typo's to above post "working" and the date of the fire is 14 January 1969
    Best wishes to find the information you need.
    Bravo Zulu for this work,
56. john marinelli new bedford ma says:
    9 Apr 2013 11:00:53 PM
    
    still looking for someone who was in the eng rm with me
57. Anonymous says:
    14 Apr 2013 11:58:08 PM
    
    does anybody know what the nickname was for squadron vb-17.
    Thanks

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