JOHN L. DONEFF, ENS, USN
John Doneff '43
Lucky Bag
From the 1943 Lucky Bag:
JOHN LINCOLN DONEFF
Newark, Ohio
"Sound off Mister." "Midshipman Bucket, fourth class, Sir!" And so by a slip of the tongue. John became "Bucket" to us, but in name only. His fine academic record hints of future progress in the Air Corps, his greatest aspiration. Always on the go, he was never too busy to "work that prob." On weekends at Dahlgren he could usually be found impressing someone's drag with "I'm just a clean cut kid." His card tricks stumped us, but selling suits a la Robber's Row was his specialty. Bucket's industry, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a hand will admit only of success in the fleet.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
JOHN LINCOLN DONEFF
Newark, Ohio
"Sound off Mister." "Midshipman Bucket, fourth class, Sir!" And so by a slip of the tongue. John became "Bucket" to us, but in name only. His fine academic record hints of future progress in the Air Corps, his greatest aspiration. Always on the go, he was never too busy to "work that prob." On weekends at Dahlgren he could usually be found impressing someone's drag with "I'm just a clean cut kid." His card tricks stumped us, but selling suits a la Robber's Row was his specialty. Bucket's industry, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a hand will admit only of success in the fleet.
The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.
Loss
John was one of seven officers and 118 crew lost aboard USS Pensacola (CA 24) on November 30, 1942, at the Battle of Tassafaronga when the ship was heavily damaged by a torpedo and gunfire.
Other Information
He had reported aboard on July 16, 1942.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
John’s parents received his last letter dated November 24, and 10 hours later, received notice that he had died. His letter indicated that he had seen 90 days of warfare and that he was spending his time swimming and relaxing and was in fine health.
John attended Blessed Sacrament school and graduated from St. Francis de Sales high school. His preparatory work was at Randal Naval school in Washington D. C., and he later attended Denison University.
He was appointed to the Naval Academy by the late Congressman William A. Ashbrook.
Besides his parents who owned a bakery, he was survived by his brother Edward and his sister Marjorie, Mrs. George B. Socoloff.
His parents were listed as next of kin.
There is a memorial marker at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.
From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":
John was born on 12 February 1920 in Newark, Ohio. He was appointed from Ohio and reported to the Academy on 30 June 1939. Upon graduation he reported to the cruiser USS PENSACOLA in the Pacific. On 30 November 1942 the Pensacola was engaged in the battle of Solomon Islands in which she was damaged by a torpedo. John was killed as a result of the torpedo hit. He was entitled to wear the Purple Heart, American Area Defense Service Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. He was survived by his mother Mrs. Viola Agnes P. Doneff who resided at 42 North Buena Vista Street, Newark, Ohio.
A destroyer escort, the USS DONEFF, has been named in his honor.
Namesake
USS Doneff (DE 49) is named for John.
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