John Charles McKendrick
Rank: Seaman Second Class, U.S. Navy
Serial: 02244534
Unit: USS Quincy (CA-39)
Entered service from: New Jersey
Died:
Burial: Missing in Action or Buried at Sea — Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines
Awards: Purple Heart
Introduction
Seaman Second Class John Charles McKendrick grew up, along with his older brother Charles, in the home of his Aunt and Uncle, Johanna and Peter Reilly, on Milford Avenue in Berlin, NJ. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. By 1930 Mr. and Mrs. Reilly, who had twelve children of their own, had purchased their home. Mr. Reilly worked as a produce salesman, and three of the grown children were working. One son, John Francis Reilly, would join the Army and also lose his life in service during World War II.
John Charles McKendrick enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1941. He served aboard the cruiser USS Quincy, where he was killed in action on August 8, 1942, during the Battle of Savo Island. Originally listed as missing, he was declared dead one year and one day later.
Mass to Be Said for Lost Sailor
Camden Courier-Post —
MASS TO BE SAID FOR LOST SAILOR
A Solemn Mass of Requiem will be offered at 9 a. m. tomorrow, Armistice Day, in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church, Berlin, for John C. McKendrick, who was lost at sea when the USS Quincy was sunk during the battle of Savo Island.
McKendrick was reared by an aunt, Mrs. Johanna Reilly, of Berlin. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church.
Rev. Thomas F. Kirk, pastor, will be celebrant of the Mass and will be assisted by Rev. Francis J. Tomlinson, of St. Mary's church, Williamstown, and Rev. Edward A. McKenna, pastor of St. Joseph's church, East Camden.
Secretary of the Navy Knox sent the following letter to Mrs. Reilly: “I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your nephew gave his life for his country, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy. The Navy shares in your sense of bereavement and will feel the loss of his services.”