Willa (Vance) Lowry Page 2

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Facts about Joseph Williams Vance Jr.
Donated by Willa Vance Lowry. Joseph Vance's, sister.

I have tried to put these pages into chronological order.
These pictures have not been seen since July 16, 1943.
Most pictures were taken by 'Litterst Com'l Photo Co., Quality Service, Houston, Texas July 16, 1943.
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WVL6
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
Septemher 22, 1942
My dear Mrs., Vance:
It was with deep regret that I learned that your son, Lieutenant (junior grade) Joseph Williams Vance, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, formerly reported missing in action, has now been reported killed in action August 9, 1942, as the result of enemy action during the Battle of the Solomon Islands.

I desire to express to you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son. His country has also suffered the loss of a brave and efficient officer. Let us, however, be proud that he gave his life as so many are now doing, upholding the highest traditions of the Navy, in the service of his country and in the defense of the principles for which we are now fighting,

Sincerely yours,

Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy.
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Vance,
1976 Higbee,
Memphis, Tennessee.

WVL7
Death Of Lieut, Joe Vance In Solmons confirmed
Confirmation that Lieut. Joe W. Vance Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Vance, 1978 Higbee, was killed in action at sea was received from Washington yesterday by his parents. He had been reported missing on Aug. 20, while serving on the Australian ship Canberra in the Solomon Islands.

Part of the morning service conducted by Dr. Albes Golhold at the St. John's Methodist Church next Sunday will be used as a memorial to Lieutenant Vance.

WVL8
13 Ocean Avenue
Edgecliff, Sydney
29th August Dear Mr. Vance,
Ensign Vance was our United States Liaison Officer on board H.M.A.S. Canberra and the only one. We all liked him very much and called him Joe and he stood up to any amount of kindly chaff.

He was killed instantaneously at 1:45 A.M., on Sunday 9th August by the explosion of a shell which made a direct hit on the Cipher Office, where he was working at the time. He was buried with the ship in the Solomon Islands off Tulagi.

We had a number of casualties - under the circumstances fortunately no larger - but his death was regretted as much as that of any of our mess mates or ship company. I shall be very glad to let you know anything I can or do anything.

My personal regrets with you and your family in your sad loss.
Yours sincerely,
F. G. Rednall
Lieutenant Commander, R.A.N,

WVL9
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to LIEUTENANT, JUNIOR GRADE, JOSEPH WILLIAM VANCE UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For heroic achievement as Torpedo Officer of the U.S.S. PARROTT, during action against enemy Japanese forces in Makassar Strait, on January 24, 1942.

With his ship participating in a daring night torpedo and gun attack upon a Japanese amphibious force supported by strong naval units off Balikpapan, Borneo, Lieutenant, Junior Grade (then Ensign) Vance skillfully discharged twelve torpedoes in four salvos at enemy warships encountered close aboard In a wide range of target speeds and, directing his fire without radar information or prior tracking and with an open sight which required the estimation of proper lead angle, succeeded in scoring hits upon three Japanese vessels, probably sinking two and damaging one of the enemy surface craft. By his outstanding ability, unusual resourcefulness and unwavering devotion to duty during combat against the enemy, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Vance contributed substantially to the successful performance of the U.S.S. PARROTT in the first engagement of surface forces in the war of the Pacific. His courageous conduct through out reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

For the President,
John _____ Secretary of The Navy
Acting

WVL10
To Be Eulogized
Memorial services for Lieut. Joe W. Vance Jr., son of Mr. And Mrs. Joseph W. Vance of 1976 Higbee, whose death on the Australian ship, Canberra, in the Solomon Islands Aug. 20 has been confirmed by the war Department, will be held this morning at St. John's Methodist Church by Dr. Albea Godbold.

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