John Robert Fallon

John Fallon joined the Marine detachment of the USS Wasp (CV-7) on New Year’s Day, 1942. He participated in patrols across the Atlantic ocean before his ship was sent to reinforce the Pacific navy in the Solomon Islands.

At 1444 hours on 15 September 1942, Wasp was recovering a combat air patrol and preparing to launch a combined fighter-bomber force. Crews busily armed and fueled the planes, while the deck gang spotted the strike force for takeoff. It was an extremely hazardous time aboard a carrier – and unfortunately the Wasp’s luck ran out. The Japanese submarine I-9 launched a spread of torpedoes at the Wasp and scored three hits near the gasoline tanks and magazine.

The stricken carrier lurched, flinging planes into the air. Fires broke out on multiple decks as gasoline and munitions went up in flames. Water mains broke and hampered firefighting efforts. After thirty minutes of struggle, Captain Forrest Sherman ordered his crew to abandon ship. Wasp was scuttled by friendly torpedoes, and sank at 2100 hours.

PFC Fallon was not seen after the torpedoes struck the Wasp. It is not known whether he perished in the initial blast or died of wounds received in action; in any case, it is believed he never left the ship. Fallon was reported as missing in action after the sinking, and officially declared dead on 16 September 1943.