DEDICATION
We, the members of V. F. W. Post 9488, dedicate this post to the memory of a lost comrade, Second Lieutenant Owen R. Graham. Born in Winchester, Lieutenant Graham attended the Winchester Elementary School, Perris Union High School, Riverside Junior College, and was graduated from the University of Redlands.
Lieutenant Graham, of the 19th Bombardment Group, Air Corps, U. S. Army, was among 1775 American prisoners of war aboard a Japanese vessel sunk by submarine action June 16, 1944. Enlisting during 1939, he went overseas for the first time in 1940.
In October-November 1941, when the title of battle was running against the United States and her allies, Lieutenant Graham participated in the first massed flight of B- 17's from Albuquerque, N.M., to Clark, Field, Pampanga, Luzon, Philippine Islands. He was cited for his part in the action, which "Proved to have direct bearing upon the security of the United States." The flight was successful ". . . despite adverse weather, small airdromes, inadequate radio aids and long over water distances with no alternate landing fields . . ."
Lieutenant Graham was taken Prisoner in April, 1942. Two ears later he was transferred to the ill-fated ship on which he lost his life.
COMMANDER KENNETH YOUNG
1ST VICE-COMMANDER LLOYD McCALL
JR. VICE-COMMANDER DUDLEY WESTLAKE
CHAPLAIN ROBERT SCHAIN
Q. M. ADJUTANT FLOYD McCALL
JUDGE ADVOCATE JOHN BURRELL
SURGEON JACK HONBERGER
GUARD
GENE RICE
TRUSTEE
JOE CRYER
TRUSTEE LAWRENCE GATES
TRUSTEE MARVIN WALKER
OFFICER OF THE DAY RICHARD HOLLAND
WAYS AND MEANS CHAIRMAN JOHN BURRELL
PUBLICITY OFFICER J. A. (DOC) WALKER
LEGISLATIVE OFFICER LESLIE ZEIDERS
SERVICE OFFICER W. E BRICKER