Leroy Worcester
Motor Machinist Mate 2/C, US Navy
6 June 2024
Leroy Worcester serving in the US Navy during World War II
Leroy Worcester served in the US Navy during World War II. His daugher, Janice Tucker, shared his story with us.
Leroy was born September 28, 1924 in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He joined the Navy immediately following high school, during the height of World War II in 1943. He trained as a Motor Machinist Mate (MOMC). MOMCs operate, maintain and repair the ship’s main and auxiliary engines.
Leroy worked in the engine room of an amphibious landing craft that participated in the landings in New Guinea and Okinawa. His ship was in the Sea of Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped.
Worcester served in the Pacific Theater where he survived two major typhoons. His crew helped to lay smoke screens for ships to divert kamikaze attacks. He unfortunately witnessed the bombing of the hospital ship USS Comfort (AH-6) off Okinawa.
The Comfort was receiving wounded for evacuation to Guam when she was struck by a Japanese kamikaze suicide plane on April 23, 1945. The plane crashed through three decks, exploding in the surgery ward. The ward was filled with medical personnel and patients. Casualties were 28 killed (including two doctors and six nurses) and 48 wounded.
Following the war, Leroy returned to Ohio. He served in law enforcement for 27 years. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Helen, moved to South Carolina. On May 2, 2021, this World War II Navy man sailed to his final destination. May we keep his story alive and remember this remarkable generation of heroes.
About the Series
To learn from the past, it must be remembered. This patriotic blog series recounts real stories of real heroes from World War II as told by the veterans themselves or immediate family members. Marked by acts of selfless service, may these brave souls never be forgotten. And may we learn from their examples.
NarroWay's founders are patriotic Americans at heart and that patriotism bleeds through the NarroWay cast. Having fathers who served in World War II and the Korean War, love of country was instilled in Rebecca Martin and Yvonne Clark at an early age. Veterans are always welcomed and honored at the NarroWay Theatre. Many shows, such as SAMSON and THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY, include a patriotic tribute.
More Stories of Real Heroes from World War II
- "Doc" Eugene Deibler, a Real Knight in Shining Armor
- John Horace Beauford: A Real Hero Who Stormed Normandy, by Accident
- Charles "Chuck" Richardson, Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer
- Leroy Worcester, Navy Serviceman in World War II
- James Alexander, Enlisted on His Birthday
- Jack Frank: 1142nd Engineer Combat Group
- Private James Robert Knight, Enlisted to Serve at 17