Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1942 Lucky Bag:

JOHN EDWARD CASEY

Ed, J, Edward

Gym 4, 3, g42t; Battalion Tennis; Log 3; Boat Club 3, 2; C.P.O.

A congenial wife and a good friend to all, Ed never argued unless he knew the subject, and then his opponent would invariably find himself squarely behind the eight ball. In addition to gym, he enjoyed a good last game of “touch,” squash, tennis, or handball. The exercise kept him prepared for the academic departments, he says. You’ll find him prepared, too, for his branch of the service.

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The Class of 1942 graduated on December 19, 1941, less than two weeks after the United States entered World War II. The class had previously been scheduled to graduate in February 1942.

Loss

John was lost when USS Flier (SS 250) was sunk by a mine in the Balabac Strait, Philippines, on August 13, 1944.

From Find A Grave:

Lt. Casey was one of 7 crewman that survived the sinking but died at sea or was not rescued with the survivors.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

John graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1937. He married Betty Ann Kimmett of Baltimore at Mare Island, California, on June 27, 1942.

His father was John Francis Casey, a street engineer, mother Mary Frances, and brother Robert.

His wife was listed as next of kin. He is listed at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

Photographs

From the Lucky Bag

From his high school yearbook

Silver Star

From Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant John Edward Casey (NSN: 0-123674), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Fire Control Officer of the U.S.S. FLIER (SS-250), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy controlled waters from 21 May to 5 July 1944. He provided accurate and timely information on numerous occasions which enabled his own vessel to make successful attacks. He contributed materially to the destruction of four enemy vessels and in the damage of two more. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02552 (September 21, 1944)
Action Date: May 21 - July 5, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Flier (SS-250)