CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — When General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s surrender during World War II in Tokyo Bay, John DeLeo of Johnston was there.
DeLeo enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and was aboard the USS Missouri when the war ended on Sept. 2, 1945.
Almost eight decades later, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed held a special medal ceremony at his Cranston office to present DeLeo with his “overdue” military honors.
“It was a privilege and an honor to shake [Reed’s] hand and receive my commendations,” DeLeo said.
DeLeo’s son said he believes that the service members on the Missouri who did not reenlist after the end of the war never received their medals.
During the ceremony, DeLeo received the following honors:
- American Campaign Medal
- Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars
- World War II Victory Medal
- Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII
“Mr. DeLeo is a hometown hero,” Reed said. “His service is an inspiration. He and his fellow crewmembers not only witnessed history, they shaped it by helping carry the Allied Forces to victory.”
“We salute Mr. DeLeo for his many achievements, share our gratitude for his service and sacrifice, and finally deliver medals that he earned in defense of our nation, and truly the world,” he added.
DeLeo was recently interviewed by the curator of the USS Missouri Memorial. He plans to participate in the 80th anniversary commemoration of the surrender on Sept. 2, 2025.
