WILLIS CHARLEY SHOOK was born 21 Feb 1917 in Ralston, Pawnee, OK to Charley Henry and Emma Minerva (Marlow) Shook who married about 1913. Willis had five siblings. They were Marchia Agnes (1915-2002), Harmon Emory (1919-1970), Orpha Lorine “Lori” (1920-2012), Allan (1922-2019) and Milda Emma Shook (1927-1984).

Charley Shook’s parents, Joseph Jackson “Jack” and Louise Adeline (Eyman) Shook, moved to Oklahoma from Missouri in 1896 and homesteaded in Pawnee county. Charley grew up in a farming family, and when he married Miss Emma Minerva Marlow about 1913, he farmed himself. He registered for the WWI draft on 5 Jun 1917. He claimed an exemption because of “hart and skin” problems. Charley died unexpectedly on 12 Oct 1928 leaving his wife to raise their six children on the eve of the Great Depression. Not long after her husband’s death, Emma moved her family to Bethel Acres in Pottawatomie county, OK where most of her children attended Bethel High School.

Willis graduated from Bethel High School on 17 May 1934. Like many of the youth who lived during the Great Depression, Willis was anxious to help his family with a steady job, find possible career training and experience some adventure. Not long after Willis graduated high school, he moved to Oregon in the US Pacific Northwest. According to the 1940 Hawthorne, Los Angeles, CA US census, Willis was a resident of Banks, Oregon on 01 Apr 1935. Banks was located just 30 miles outside of Portland, OR. By 1940, His sister Marchia and her husband, Harold Eugene Mason, and Willis’ brother, Harmon Emory Shook, had also moved to Portland, OR.

Willis decided that military service would provide the adventure, career skill training and the steady pay check that he desired. So, Willis filled out an application to enlist in the US Navy in early Oct 1935 at the US Navy Recruiting Station (NRS), Portland, OR. It took a number of months for the recruiters to receive the necessary character references, background checks and an Oklahoma birth certificate. His mother, Emma Shook, signed the consent form to allow Willis to enlist for four years on 25 Oct 1935. Willis was accepted for enlistment and was placed on a waiting list with other qualified applicants.

On 16 March 1936, Willis Charlie Shook enlisted in the US Navy (NSN: 393-20-18) in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon for a period of four years at the starting rate of Apprentice Seaman (AS) and a monthly pay of $21.00. AS Shook entrained later that day for transfer to the Naval Training Station (NTS), San Diego, CA. He arrived in San Diego and began recruit training on 18 Mar. After 12 weeks of basic training at NTS, San Diego, Shook was granted 10 days of leave to return home to visit family and friends before he was assigned to either a service class “A” school or a ship of the US fleet. Upon completion of his leave, AS Shook returned to NTS, San Diego where he received orders to the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga (CV-3). He reported for duty on 22 Jun 1936. Shortly after he reported for duty, AS Shook advanced in rate to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 16 July 1936. The following month, S2c Shook changed his career path from Seaman to Fireman Third Class (F3c) on 05 Aug 1936. During the next several years, F3c Shook advanced in rate to Fireman Second Class (F2c) on 01 Mar 1937 then Fireman First Class (F1c) on 16 May 1938. On 01 Aug 1938, F1c Shook was commended by the Commanding Officer at meritorious mast for having materially contributed to the engineering efficiency of Saratoga. The following year on 29 July 1939, Shook received a similar commendation. He applied himself to his chosen rate of Machinist’s Mate with diligence and hard work as noted by the multiple commendations. Then on 16 Oct 1939, F1c Shook advanced two rates to Machinist’s Mate Second Class (MM2c).

MM2 Shook decided not to reenlist when his original enlistment ended on 15 Mar 1940 in San Pedro, CA. He was honorably discharged on that date. He was also recommended for the Good Conduct Medal. According to an entry in his service record, the engraved medal was ordered on 28 Mar 1940. Several weeks later, Shook was enumerated as a laborer and lodger on 01 Apr 1940 US Census at the residence of Mrs Carrie Trim (26) and her two daughters, Sandra (4) and Eleanor Kay Trim (2) in Lawrence, Los Angeles, CA. Mrs Trim was the wife of another sailor, Donald Paul Trim, a crewman on board the heavy cruiser, USS Houston (CA-30). Several months later, Shook decided to reenlist in the US Navy at the Portland, OR navy recruiting station (NRS) on 12 Jun 1940. It isn’t known why he traveled from Los Angeles to Portland to reenlist. However, he may have made the trip to visit his sister and brother who were residents in Portland. While in Portland he may have decided to reenlist. It is interesting to note that Shook claimed to be married to Elizabeth Carrie Shook on his reenlistment contract filled out on 12 Jun 1940.

Later in the day on 12 June, MM2 Shook transferred to the Receiving Station (RS) at the Puget Sound Navy Yard (PSNY), Bremerton, WA to await further orders. On 2 July 1940, MM2c Shook transferred via the light cruiser, USS Philadelphia (CL-41) to the fleet tug, USS Pinola (AT-33) for duty. He reported on board Pinola on 8 July 1940. This work-horse of the fleet provided tug services to the US ships up and down the Pacific coast, but primarily in San Diego.

While still serving on board the Pinola, MM2 Shook married Mrs Elizabeth Carrie “Kip” (Dickson) Trim in Yuma, Yuma, AZ on 27 July 1941. Their only child, Willis Allan Shook was born in Los Angeles county, CA on 03 Dec 1941. Because of impending world events, Petty Officer Shook would never see his son. Five days after his wedding, MM2 Shook advanced in rate to Machinist’s Mate First Class (MM1c) on 01 Aug 1941.

As the crisis situation between Japan and the United States worsened in 1941, the US Navy Department sent many sailors to the Asiatic Fleet in Manila, Philippines to fill manpower shortages that had existed for a long time. Petty Officer Shook was one of those sailors. On 01 Nov 1941, Shook transferred from Pinola to the Naval Air Station (NAS), Roosevelt Base, Terminal Island, CA for further transfer to the Asiatic fleet. On 5 Nov 1941, Shook boarded the transport ship, USS Chaumont (AP-5) at Terminal Island for his ride across the Pacific to Manila.

Chaumont got underway on 06 Nov for San Francisco (SF). She arrived the 8th of Nov. After 4 days in SF, Chaumont passed under the Golden Gate on 13 Nov steaming for Honolulu where she arrived on 20 Nov. On 29 Nov, Chaumont was underway for Manila. Not long after getting underway, Chaumont joined eight other ships that comprised a convoy. The flagship was the troop transport, USS Republic (AP-33). The convoy, generally known as the Pensacola Convoy for its escort ship, the heavy cruiser, USS Pensacola (CA-24) (also seen by the US Army as the "Republic Convoy"), included the gunboat, USS Niagara (PG-52), US Navy transports USS Republic (AP-33) and USS Chaumont (AP-5), the US Army transport USAT Willard A Holbrook and USAT Meigs; the US Merchant ships S.S. Admiral Halstead and S.S. Coast Farmer, and the Dutch merchant ship MS Bloemfontein.

On board the convoy were 2600 US Army Air Forces personnel. On the Bloemfontein were eighteen crated Curtiss P-40 pursuit planes of the 35th Pursuit Group (PG) while forty-eight pursuit pilots of the 35th PG were embarked on the Republic and thirty-nine newly graduated, but as yet unassigned pilots were on board the Holbrook. The presence of these planes and pilots would impact the destiny of the seaplane tender, USS Langley (AV-3), and the USS Edsall (DD-219).

After the attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 Dec, Japanese forces also attacked the Philippines necessitating a change of plans for the Pensacola convoy’s original destination and purpose which was Manila and to bolster Philippine defenses. The convoy was diverted first to Suva, Fiji Islands arriving on 08 Dec 1941. The convoy got underway from Suva on the 16th steaming to Brisbane, Australia. Pensacola entered the harbor at Brisbane on 22 Dec 1941 and moored at Newstead Wharf. On the afternoon of 28 Dec, Pensacola, along with transports Chaumont and USAT Willard A. Holbrook got underway.

On 2 Jan 1942, the Dutch ship MS Bloemfontein joined the convoy. The following morning (03 Jan 42) the convoy made passage through the Torres Strait above Cape York in far North Queensland, Australia. There they were joined by the heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) and several destroyers. Houston relieved Pensacola as the convoy heavy escort, and with her destroyers and convoy ships proceeded to Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia. Pensacola returned to Brisbane.

Chaumont dropped anchor in Port Darwin where Shook disembarked on 10 Jan 1942 and reported to the Commander, Destroyer Squadron 29 (CDS-29) on board the destroyer tender, USS Black Hawk (AD-9) for assignment. MM1 Shook was assigned to duty on board the destroyer, USS Peary (DD-226) the same day.

Peary anchored at Port Darwin at 0840, 03 Jan 1942 after a 2100 mile plus transit from Manila, Philippines to Darwin, Australia. Within a week of arriving at Darwin, twenty-eight enlisted men and officers became ill with a virulent form of Malaria or Dengue Fever, contracted when the ship anchored off remote Maitara Island near Ternate in the Halmakeras. It was necessary to stop there to make repairs after being mistakenly identified as a Japanese ship by Australian aircraft who then attacked. Eventually eight men would die from the diseases.

Peary received tender availability services from USS Black Hawk (AD-9) to affect temporary repairs and make her battle ready and seaworthy. The Machinist’s Mates were especially busy. Those repairs were completed on 22 Jan 1942. Peary assumed submarine escort duties on numerous occasions. She was an anti-submarine escort for USS Langley (AV-3) from Darwin to Fremantle, Australia between 08-13 Feb 1942 and she steamed with USS Houston escorting a Darwin-Koepang convoy from 14 to 18 Feb 1942. She searched for an elusive submarine contact which reduced her fuel supply such that she had to return to Port Darwin to refuel.

Peary returned to Port Darwin and anchored about 0100, 19 Feb 1942. About 1045, Port Darwin came under attack by a combined Japanese carrier and land base force of over 200 fighters and bombers. Peary was hit by five bombs. The fifth bomb, an incendiary, exploded in the after engine room opening the ship to the sea. Peary sank, stern first with her anti-aircraft guns still firing until the last enemy plane left the area.

Eighty-eight officers and men including the commanding officer were killed in her sinking; 57 survived, 20 of whom were wounded. MM1 Shook was believed to have gone down with his ship. He was listed as missing in action on 19 Feb 1942. On 14 April 1942, Mrs Carrie Shook, Petty Officer Shook’s wife, received a telegram from the Navy Department. It read in part; "The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your husband, Machinist’s Mate First Class, Willis C. Shook, US Navy, is missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country."

The following year, Mrs Shook received a letter from the Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated 17 March 1943. It read; "After a full review of all available information, I am reluctantly forced to the conclusion that your husband, Willis C. Shook, Machinist’s Mate First Class, U.S.N., is deceased, having been reported 'missing in action' on the 19th day of February 1942, being a member of the crew and serving aboard the U.S.S. PEARY when that vessel was sunk in the port of Darwin, Australia. In accordance with Section 5 of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as amended, your husband's death is presumed to have occurred on the 20th of February 1943, which is the day following the day of expiration of an absence of twelve months. I extend to you my sincere sympathy in your great loss and hope you may find comfort in the knowledge that your husband 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 service."

MM1 Shook was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal w/Fleet Clasp (bronze star in lieu of clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal w/Fleet Clasp and two bronze stars (one bronze star in lieu of clasp), and the WWII Victory Medal. He is eligible for the US Army Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (retroactively) and the Good Conduct Medal.

Willis is memorialized on a plaque in the memorial park in Pottawatomie country, OK,

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MM1 Shook’s family also received a personal commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads:

In grateful memory of Willis Charlie Shook, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Asiatic Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. PEARY, 20 February 1943 (presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.

(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,

President of the United States

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Carrie Shook married Alfred Lewis Wagner sometime after WWII ended. They were the parents of at least one child; Alfred Lewis Wagner, Jr. born 01 Dec 1948 in Los Angeles County, CA. He died 21 Dec 2021 in Washington state.

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Citation of Units of Both Military and Naval Forces of the United States and Philippine Governments.

--489--

As authorized by Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. II, Bull. 11, W.D., 1942), a citation in the name of the President of the United States, as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction, is awarded to all units of both military and naval forces of the United States and Philippine Governments engaged in the defense of the Philippines since December 7, 1941. (Later, it was called the Army Presidential Unit Citation).

By order of the Secretary of War:

G. C. MARSHALL,

Chief of Staff.

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Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation

Establishing Authority

The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation was established by Headquarters, Philippine National Defense Forces, General Order Number 532 of September 14, 1946, as amended.

Acceptance by the United States

For service during World War II, acceptance is sanctioned by Public Law 80-314, which authorized the acceptance and wear of foreign decoration, medals, and awards in connection with services in World War II between the inclusive dates of December 7, 1941 and July 24, 1948.

Effective Dates

The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation has been in effect since September 14, 1946.

Criteria

The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation is awarded for extraordinarily meritorious service. The Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation has been awarded to United States military personnel who participated in the following:

• World War II

Service in the defense of the Philippines from December 7, 1941 to May 10, 1942.

Service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945.

All U.S. military units and naval vessels that earned any of the Philippine engagement stars are entitled to the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation.

Certain submarines which maintained physical contact with guerrilla forces during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands.

Online: https://rollofhonor.org/public/htmldetails.aspx?Cat=foreignaward&EntID=352

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Primary Sources:

1) Shook, Willis C., US Navy Service Record, National Archives' National Personnel Record Center (NPRC), St Louis, MO. 2023.

2) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., In the Highest Degree Tragic, The Sacrifice of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in the East Indies During World War II, Potomac Books, 2017.

3) Various Newspaper articles

4) Deck logs USS Peary retrieved 15 November 2021.

5) Northern Territory Library Roll of Honour: Browse location. www.ntlexhibit.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 20 November 2021. URL may no longer work.

6) Wikipedia page, USS Peary (DD-226), Retrieved 12 November 2021.

7) Wilde, E. Andrew, Jr. (Ed). U.S.S. Peary (DD-226) in World War II, Manila to Darwin, 12/10/41-2/19/42 : Needham, Mass. : The Editor, 2007. http://destroyerhistory.org/assets/pdf/wilde/226peary_wilde.pdf

8) Kehn, Donald M. Jr., A Blue Sea of Blood: deciphering the mysterious fate of the USS Edsall, Zenith Press, 2008.

9) Fold3 by Ancestry Navy Muster reports and Change reports

10) Ancestry.com Navy WWII muster and Change reports

11) Cox, Jeffery R., Rising Sun, Falling Skies, Osprey Publishing, UK, 2015.

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Link to USS Peary memorial in Darwin, Australia with list of names of those lost in the sinking of the ship. It's a cenotaph. https://www.maritimequest.com/misc_pages/monuments_memorials/uss_peary_memorial.htm -----------------

Bio#408 compiled on 30 Jan 2023 by Gerry Lawton (G47/GML470)

Military Hall of Honor ID#162337