Thomas Schoenecker

Seaman Second Class (S2c)

Mr. Schoenecker, born on June 9, 1927 in Albany, New York, served aboard the USS Missouri as a Seaman Second Class (S2c) in 3rd Division. 

Like many of his friends and other young men across the U.S., he joined the Navy to avoid being drafted into the Army. Mr. Schoenecker worked in Main Battery Turret #3 passing powder bags in the magazines during General Quarters. He experienced the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as the Kamikaze attack—but stationed deep below decks, he didn’t witness the action firsthand. He was also part of Malone’s Marauders and was tasked with guarding a captured Japanese navy facility. He was later transferred to the ship’s Personnel Office.

After the war ended, he stayed in Hawai‘i for a few months before returning to his home state of New York. Reflecting on his service, Mr. Schoenecker said, "I just did my duty."