Vance Clyde Johnston
Vance Clyde Johnston Headstone located at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Vance Clyde Johnston was the son of Clyde William & Dolly Edna (Gilmore) Johnston. He was born on July 7, 1925 in Michigan, USA.
Per the 1930 U.S. Census (dated April 19, 1930), he was age 4 and living with his mother and step-father (Elmer Duane Torrance) at 321 North Francis Avenue in Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.
Per the 1940 U.S. Census (dated April 10, 1940), he was age 14 and living with his mother and step-father at 321 North Francis Avenue in Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.
On September 1, 1942, Vance enlisted in the U.S. Navy. On October 17, 1942 he joined the crew on the U.S.S. Honolulu (CL-48).
On the Muster Rolls from October 1942 to November 1942, his rating was "AS". On the Muster Rolls from December 1942 to March 1944, his rating was "S2c". From March 1944 to October 1944, his rating was "S1c". His final rating, from December 1944 was "Cox(T)". All of these ratings were "V6".
Vance served with the Honolulu in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. During the Battle of Kolombangara (near the Solomon Islands) in July 1943; the Honolulu sustained heavy damage and was out of action for several months of repair (based mostly in Honolulu, Hawaii and Mare Island, California). They returned to action in November 1943.
The last assignment on the Honolulu was a cruise to Newport, Rhode Island in October 1945; where the ship was reporting for its new duty as a training ship. Vance was released from service on December 18, 1945.
The Lansing City Directory indicates that in 1946 he was residing with his parents (at 321 North Francis Avenue) and working as a driver for the Red Top Cab Company.
On October 6, 1977, Vance passed away, at the age of 52, in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan. He is buried at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in De Witt, Clinton County, Michigan.