Shea, John J. (John Joseph), 1898-1942
Dates
- Existence: 1898-01-13 - 1942-09-15
Biographical Note
John J. Shea was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1898. He attended Boston College. Shea enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve Force (1918) and was in active service until 1921. He participated in the Naval Reserve Training Program (1923-1930) and returned to active service at the Naval Reserve Aviation Base at Squantum (1930-1940). In 1941, Shea was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS WASP, bound to take part in the Guadalcanal Campaign. The USS WASP was struck by Japanese torpedoes and caught fire. Shea worked to rescue the men on the USS WASP. He was one of the 193 casualties. Only a few months before his death, Shea wrote a heartfelt letter to Jackie, his 5-year old son. This letter has been widely published.
Social Networks and Archival Context (SNAC) Identifier
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Boston College collection of John J. Shea
This collection concerns the life and naval service of Boston College alumnus and Commander John J. Shea, particularly during World War II. Materials include correspondence, publications, press releases, clippings, photographs, artifacts, and ephemera. Commemorations of Shea’s life and military service are also included.
Collection is open for research.