Town of Islip Councilman John C. Cochrane, Jr., retired US Navy Captain and Chairman of Islip Town Veterans’ Advisory Board, recently met with the Town’s newest centenarian, World War II Veteran, Warren James, to congratulate him on his milestone 100th birthday.
Born in 1923, Warren enlisted to serve in the United States Coast Guard in December of 1941, and would enter the Pacific Theater after receiving transfer to the USS Eugene (PF-40) Tacoma class frigate, a ship that would earn two World War II battle stars. While transporting wounded from the battle of the Philippines, the USS Eugene caught fire, but was saved along with its occupants by the dedicated efforts of the crew in which Warren served. Transferred once more to the USS Lansing (DE-388), he would continue to serve with dedication through to the remainder of World War II.
“Warren James belongs to that special group in our Nation’s history, the greatest generation, whose efforts during the War contributed to the protection of the Pacific, and helped save lives and enable the U.S. and Allied Forces to emerge victorious,” said Islip Councilman John C. Cochrane Jr. “We wish him nothing but peace and happiness on this milestone birthday achievement,” the councilman added.
After the war, Mr. James returned to Long Island and worked for the Fair Harbor Ferry Company, serving as a dock hand and captain. His love for the ocean led him to move to Lonelyville on Fire Island, where he would further serve his community as both Water Commissioner and Fire Commissioner.
CREDIT: Town of Islip