Edward Juszkowski
PFC Edward Juszkowski served with the Marine detachment of the USS Lexington (CV-2).
He was killed in action at the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 305744
Current Status
Remains lost at sea.
Pursuit Category
Based on circumstances of loss, this individual is considered permanently non-recoverable.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
January 14, 1922
at Detroit, MI
Parents
Anthony Joseph Juszkowski
Rose (Krause) Juszkowski (d. 1929)
Education
Burroughs Intermediate School
Occupation & Employer
Truck driver
Service Life
Entered Service
March 17, 1941
at Detroit, MI
Home Of Record
8079 Kellogg Avenue
Detroit, MI
Next Of Kin
Aunt, Mrs. Nettie Hildebrant
Military Specialty
Second Loader
Primary Unit
USS Lexington
AA Battery #2 / Gun 6
Campaigns Served
Coral Sea
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Letter of Commendation
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
PFC Edward Juszkowski served as a member of the Marine detachment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington. His battle station was in the port side forward gun gallery, manning a 5″ antiaircraft gun. As a second loader, Juszkowski formed part of a hand-carry chain passing rounds of ammunition from a ready locker to the loader at the gun mount.
Juszkowski was at his post on 8 May 1942, during the battle of the Coral Sea. At 1122 hours, an aerial bomb struck the Lexington’s flight deck, penetrated the thin armor, and exploded in the ammunition locker of Gun #6.
The first Japanese torpedo plane was spotted off the port bow at 11:15 a.m., about 3,000 yards out, and we received the order to commence firing. Simultaneously we picked up speed and began evasive maneuvers. The sound of all our guns firing was deafening and suddenly we felt a violent vibrating blow to our ship [a torpedo hit on the port side forward].
The enemy torpedo planes, after launching their torpedoes, began strafing our gun positions and on my Gun 10 three of our men were wounded and one was killed from these strafing attacks. At about 11:25 a.m., while still under attack from enemy torpedo planes, enemy dive bombers began their attacks and one bomb hit on the flight deck on the port side forward and exploded in the ready ammunition locker for our Marine Gun 6, killing all fourteen members of that gun crew.
Captain Frederick Sherman gave the order to abandon ship at 1707 hours, and the Lexington was scuttled by the destroyer USS Phelps later that evening. The carrier went down on an even keel, “with her head up,” as one surviving officer put it. “Dear old Lex…a lady to the last.”
The bodies of eighteen Marines were either left aboard the Lexington or lost over the side during the battle. All members of #2 Anti-Aircraft Battery were posthumously commended for their bravery at the Coral Sea.
Burial Information or Disposition
PFC Juszkowski ultimately went down with his ship. The Lexington is considered to be his final resting place.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of aunt, Mrs. Nettie Hildebrandt.
Location Of Loss
The last reported location of the USS Lexington on 8 May 1942.
Comment from George Juscott
7 February 2015
Edward Juszkowski and George was my father. In The 1950s he changed his name from Juszkowski to Juscott. He to was a WWII veteran and served his country in the Army. This is a very fascinating article. Thank you so much for keeping my uncles memory alive.
George English. Juscott
Pingback: CV-2 – Missing Marines
My Dearest Uncle Ed,
10/16/2024
Last night I Googled my name. Just for shits and giggles’s. What came back; it brought tears of joy to my face. It was a picture of myself a few years back. Next to it was an article that was written in mid May 1942. It was an article about you. This world is so much different than when you and dad walking the streets of Detroit. You were my dad‘s hero. He spoke nothing but good about you. When I think of you. I think of a recent movie, a movie that took place in Detroit. Maybe 15 years ago. It was about a Polish man that lived in the same area you and dad were from. The character was Norm Kowalski. He was the Korean War veteran/portrayed by Clint Eastwood. A very popular actor of my generation. When I first saw this movie, and I looked back of the stories my father told me about you. I truly believe this character was very much like you. A no shit polock!
I would imagine this world is very different than the world you guys knew. It’s just so complicated. I know the times that you and dad grew up were much simpler. Sometimes we get so caught up, thinking about our legacy. When in fact we should be proud of our heritage!
I wish I had chosen the path you and my father did. Unfortunately I didn’t. I made a lot of wrong choices, did a lot of wrong things. Even so, I often wonder. How I can react so quick in times of doubt. I have had the blessing of being able to save a couple of human lives. I know know where that ability comes from. You and my father! I wish I could’ve been the father to my children that my father was to me. Unfortunately I can’t. I do have a dog. I put everything I had into him. All my good strengths, my positive energy, and all the good I have in me. He was originally my daughter Brittany’s. He is my masterpiece and my modern day hero, my world and guardian. I know he also has the Juszkowsi blood. His name is Kobe Anthony Juszkowski. I named him in honor of you, dad and your father/my Grandfather Anthony Juszkowski. I also have a grandson Roman. I hope that someday, he reads us. He understands his heritage, as well as how tough we are! I just wanted to say hello to you and dad. And leave something out there for Roman to read someday. That what he has doubts, he will always know. He is very strong by the past generations. Please give my dad a hug. Let him know, Kobe and I will be up there soon enough. He is a very big black dog. A true Juszkowski! You will see us coming, because I look like the both of you. God bless you Uncle Ed for the ultimate Sacrifice! Same for my Dad; God bless your dad for serving this country, and keeping us safe in World War II. So proud to be I Detroit born son and nephew of true heroes
Love Your Nephew
George Edward!