De Lance, John A.

Native of North Dakota, and a graduate of the North Carolina School for the Deaf and of Gallaudet College. Though technically a civilian, was assigned to a U.S. Navy repair ship as a welder during World War II. One source claimed he was a commissioned officer, serving with the rank of lieutenant, though this has not been confirmed. He saw action in several Pacific Ocean battles, and was also flown to various Pacific islands as well as to Alaska and Siberia to make emergency repairs. Postwar, was a member of the Alaska Territorial Guard (equivalent to a State National Guard) and the Society of American Military Engineers.