Early Life and Family
George Elmer Kohake was born on July 9, 1924, in Goff, Kansas, the son of Anton Kohake. He grew up in the rural Kelly-Goff community and spent his boyhood among a large, close-knit family. George graduated from Goff High School and later worked for his uncle, George Lierz. He was described as a hardworking and dependable young man, deeply rooted in his faith and community.
He was one of eight siblings, with six brothers and one sister. Two of his brothers also served in the military during World War II: Pvt. Carl Kohake was stationed at Camp Maxey in Texas, and Cyril Kohake was serving as a Gunner’s Mate First Class aboard a Navy vessel in the Pacific.
Enlistment and Naval Training
George enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1944. Just 20 years old, he was sent to the U.S. Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, Illinois, for his initial indoctrination. There, he received instruction in seamanship, military drill, and general naval procedures. His aptitude testing and solid performance soon led to his assignment to further training.
After completing his boot training, he was granted leave and returned home to Kansas in January 1945. Soon after, he was assigned to a ship operating in the Pacific Theater. He was stationed at Shoemaker, California, before deployment, eventually being assigned to the USS Birmingham (CL-62), a light cruiser that saw extensive combat during the war.
Service Aboard the USS Birmingham
While serving aboard the Birmingham, George completed advanced training. On April 28, 1945, he earned a Navy Training Course Certificate for Coxswain, qualifying for Petty Officer Third Class. The certificate noted his satisfactory performance and compliance with all necessary practical factors.
In a heartfelt V-Mail letter dated April 2, 1945, George wrote to his family from aboard his ship. His words reflected his deep faith, his pride in service, and his love for home. He shared reflections about Holy Mass, his duties, and the bond among shipmates. Despite the hardships, George remained upbeat and grounded in his values.
Death in Action: The Okinawa Gunto Operation
Tragically, just days after completing his coxswain certification, George Elmer Kohake was killed in action. On May 4, 1945, during the Okinawa Gunto Operation, a Japanese kamikaze plane crashed into the USS Birmingham. According to a letter from Captain Harry D. Power to George’s brother Anthony, the enemy aircraft appeared suddenly from behind a cloud and dove into the ship, releasing a bomb that exploded in a compartment near where George was stationed.
The captain wrote, “The concussion from the blast was so terrific that he died immediately without any suffering at all.” George’s dedication and bravery in service were remembered with reverence by his commanding officers and crewmates.
He was buried at sea the following day, May 5, 1945, with full military honors: the National Ensign at half-mast, taps played, and volleys fired by a squad in tribute. Captain Power noted that although the ship’s chaplain had been wounded, services were conducted by the Executive Officer, who said “no greater reverence could have been shown him had he been buried in the finest cathedral in the land.”
Legacy and Remembrance
George’s death was announced via Western Union telegram on May 20, 1945. The Courier Tribune reported that he had been in the Navy only since October and was remembered as the second son of the late Anton Kohake. His surviving family—including his stepmother Gertrude, sister Anna Heinen, and six brothers—grieved deeply alongside the Kelly-Goff community.
On May 30, 1945, a memorial Mass was held at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, Kansas, with clergy from neighboring parishes participating. The St. Aloysius Society, Knights of Columbus, and members of Earle W. Taylor American Legion Post attended in a body to honor his memory. His death added a fourth gold star to St. Bede’s service flag—each marking a local life lost in service.
George E. Kohake was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice during the Okinawa campaign. His name is engraved on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial, within the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (the Punchbowl), in Honolulu, Hawaii.
A certificate signed by President Harry S. Truman honored George for standing “in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live.” In keeping with Catholic tradition, a memorial funeral card was printed, bearing the words of John 15:13:
“Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Final Thoughts
Though his military service was brief, George Elmer Kohake’s life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and devotion—to family, faith, and country. From the Kansas plains to the vast Pacific Ocean, George’s story is one of a small-town boy whose heroism now lives on in the hearts of his family and the annals of American history.
SOURCES
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
6 Nov 1944
page 3
George E. Kohake, 20, Goff, is receiving his initial Naval indoctrination at the U.S. Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, Ill. His recruit training consists of instruction in seamanship, military drill and general naval procedure. A series of aptitude tests will be taken to determine whether he will be assigned to a naval service school or to immediate duty at sea. When his recruit training is completed, the seaman will receive a period of leave.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
9 Nov 1944
page 2
An item in Monday’s paper stated that George E. Kohake is at the Great Lakes Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill. His mailing address is Geo. E. Kohake A/S V. 6, Co. 1994, U.S.N.T.S, Great Lakes, Ill. He is the son of the late Anton Kohake of Goff.
George E. Kohake served aboard the USS Birmingham in the Pacific
(Image of muster roll)
________________________________________________________
V-Mail Letter
2 April 1945
To
Mrs. H. Kohake
Goff, Kansas
From
George E. Kohake S 2/c
U.S.S. ?, c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.
[Date] 4–2–45
Dear Bro & Sis,
Hello! How is everyone out — hope fine like I am. Jack is still among the living which is quite a feat. I even got a self-cook here.
Received two nice long letters from you several weeks ago. Sorry I haven’t got to answer them before now. The mail went to Goff. So when I got time, it always goes to Goff. I also got one from John — will answer it later. Also got one from Alice again. Never had from her for some time. Guess she still O.K.
How is everything with you? Hope you’re getting along O.K. this spring. I heard the weather is bad.
I made my Easter duty last Sunday — was a week late but it can’t be helped. I was at my battle station all day Easter. Sure put in a rugged Easter.
I am now allowed to tell I was in the battle for Iwo Jima. We bombarded for the Marines. Sure was a rugged battle for the Leathernecks. I also was at Saipan, Tinian, Pearl Harbor before we went to Iwo.
Cyril wrote me some time ago, said he also was at Iwo when I was there.
Well Mildred, it looks like Kelly will get to come home before too long if we keep chasing those Japs. At least it looks a little brighter now.
Say Mildred, I have some pictures there at home somewhere of you. Wish you’d send some of them. Maybe I can keep myself busy making frames for them or one thing or another. You know pictures help up your morale. Whoo. Something I need often.
I am about to run out words again. Before I use up too many I better write Carl. Never heard from him for a long time. Have you?
Don’t work too hard.
Bro. Cyriel
________________________________________________________
Certificate Training
28 April 1945
NAVY TRAINING COURSE CERTIFICATE
BUREAU OF NAVAL PERSONNEL & NAVY DEPARTMENT
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
GEORGE E. KOHAKE
Having completed the Navy Training Course for
COXSWAIN
with a mark of 3.0, and all required practical factors for Petty Officer — Third class
and for the rating of Coxswain,
in accordance with articles D-5202 and D-5205.02, Bureau of Naval Personnel Manual,
is awarded this certificate this Twenty-eighth day of April, 1945.
Notation to this effect has been made in his service record.
V. A. BELL,
Lieut., U.S. NAVY
Division Officer
HARRY D. POWER,
Captain, U.S. NAVY
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM
____________________________________________________________________
Birmingham Letter
13 May 1945
U.S.S. BIRMINGHAM (CL-62)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, California
13 May 1945
Mr. Anthony Joseph Kohake
Goff, Kansas.
Dear Mr. Kohake:
Since the notification by the Navy Department of the death of your brother, George Elmer Kohake, 957 83 04, S2c, USNR, I am sure that you have wanted to know the details of his passing and I shall give you as much information as is available and that security conditions permit.
George’s death was instantaneous and was the result of an explosion caused by a Japanese bomb. At 8:41 on the morning of May 4, a Japanese plane appeared without warning from behind a cloud and seconds later it made a crash dive on the main deck of the BIRMINGHAM. The bomb which was attached to the plane exploded in a compartment below causing casualties. Your brother was in a nearby compartment at the time and the concussion from the blast was so terrific that he died immediately without any suffering at all.
George was a hard worker and always was willing to do more than his share. While he had been aboard only a short time he had made many friends. Enclosed you will find a certificate showing that he had completed his training course for Coxswain. I hope that you can take some measure of comfort in this, and also from the fact that he has died as a brave man fighting for the country he loved. Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for a friend. In George’s case, he did it not for “a friend” but for what is nobler, his Country.
Your brother was buried at sea at 6:30 on the afternoon of May 5, with full military honors being paid him, which included the presence of the National Ensign at half mast, all ships present, volleys by a firing squad and sounding of taps. Unfortunately our Chaplain had been seriously wounded and was unable to attend the burial. Services were conducted by our Executive Officer, Commander F. R. Duborg, U.S.N., and in his words, no greater reverence could have been shown him had he been buried in the finest Cathedral in the land.
Your brother’s personal effects have not been found and they were evidently all destroyed by the explosion. If some are located later they will be carefully inventoried and forwarded to
the Naval Personal Effects Distribution Center, Clearfield, Utah, from which place they will be sent to you. In such case it probably will be several months before they will reach you.
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your great sorrow. George’s death is a loss to this ship, and all of his shipmates who knew him share your grief.
Very sincerely yours,
[signature]
HARRY D. POWER,
Captain, U.S.N.,
Commanding.
_____________________________________________________________
Telegram
20 May 1945
WESTERN UNION
Washington D.C. 235 AM May 20, 1945
Mr. Anthony Joseph Kohake
Nemaha County
Goff, Kans.
The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you that your brother George Minor Kohake, Seaman Second Class, USNR, was killed in action while in the service of his country. The department extends to you its sincerest sympathy in your great loss. His remains were buried at sea with full military honors. If further details are received you will be informed. To prevent possible aid to our enemies please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.
Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, Chief of Naval Personnel
9:25 AM
________________________________________________________
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
21 May 1945
page 1
George E. Kohake
Killed in Action
Former Kelly Youth Had
Served Since October
Anthony Kohake, Kelly, received word today that his brother, George Elmer, seaman second class in the U.S. Navy had been killed in action. The message came from Vice-Admiral Randal Jacobs, chief of navy personnel. No details were given, however, the telegram stated the remains were buried at sea.
George was about 20 years old. He was home in January after finishing his boot training at Great Lakes. He reported to Shoemaker soon after that time and was assigned to a cruiser int he Pacific. The young navy man was the second son of the late MR. and Mrs. Anton Kohake. His step-mother, six brothers and one sister survive and live in the Kelly-Goff community.
George graduated from the Goff high school and later worked for his uncle, George Lierz. He has two brothers in service, Pvt. Carl Kohake, at Camp Maxey , Texas, and Cyril, Gunners Mate 1st class, on a ship in the Pacific.
The Kohake family is planning a memorial service to be held at St. Bede’s Church, Kelly, next week. A definite date will be announced later.
_________________________________________________________
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
28 May 1945
page 1
Memorial for Geo. Kohake
Wednesday at Kelly
The Memorial service for George Kohake, Seaman in the U.S. Navy, who lost his life in action, will be held Wednesday morning at St. Bede’s Church, Kelly, instead of Tuesday morning as was reported last week. The date fore the service is May, 30, the hour, nine o’clock.
__________________________________________________________
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS)
4 Jun 1945
page 1
With the Armed Forces
A Memorial Service for George E. Kohake
St. Bede’s service flag at Kelly has a fourth gold star in the death in action of George Elmer Kohake, seaman in the U.S. Navy and son of Anthony and Gertrude Kohake. George was born July 9, 1924 and died in the service of his country somewhere in the Pacific. He spent his entire boyhood int he community wherein he was born and entered the service of his country last October. After completing his boot training he had a leave at home in January and was assigned to duty after reporting to a California base. Memorial services were held Wednesday May 30, in St. Bede’s church, Kelly with Rev. Father Placidus as celebrant, Father Cyril Bayer, St. Benedict, deacon and Rev. Father Matthew Hall, Seneca as subdeacon. The St. Aloysius society of which he was a member, Knights of Columbus, and members of Earle W. Taylor Post attended in a body. George is survived by his step—mother; one sister, Mrs. Anna Heinen, six brothers, Ernest, Albert, Anthony and John, all of the Kelly Community; Pvt. Carl Kohake, Camp Maxey, Texas and Cyril Kohake, gunner’s mate first class, on a ship in the Pacific.
George E. Kohake, S. 2c, U.S. Naval Reserve is shown on a list of Purple Heart recipients. His medal was awarded posthumously for service during the Okinawa Gunto Operation between March 24 and May 5, 1945. George Kohake was serving aboard the USS Birmingham at the time. (from The Saga of the U.S.S. Birmingham: A Compilation of Her Officers & Men as found on Fold3)
________________________________________________________________
Funeral Card
JESUS! MARY! JOSEPH!
Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15, 13).
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
George E. Kohake, S. 2c
Born July 9, 1924, at Goff, Kans.
Killed in action in the Pacific,
May 4, 1945.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph. (Ind. of 7 yrs.)
Jesus, my God, I love Thee above all things. (Ind. of 300 days)
Dear Lord Jesus, grant him eternal rest. (Ind. of 300 days)
MISSION PRESS, S.V.D., TECHNY, ILL.
______________________________________________________________________
Truman Letter
IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF
George Elmer Kohake
WHO DIED IN THE SERVICE OF HIS COUNTRY
At Sea, Asiatic Area, attached U.S.S. Birmingham, 4 May 1945
HE STANDS IN THE UNBROKEN LINE OF PATRIOTS WHO HAVE DARED TO DIE
THAT FREEDOM MIGHT LIVE, AND GROW, AND INCREASE ITS BLESSINGS.
FREEDOM LIVES, AND THROUGH IT, HE LIVES—
IN A WAY THAT HUMBLES THE UNDERTAKINGS OF MOST MEN
[Signature: Harry S. Truman]
__________________________________________________________________
THE AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20314
S2C George E. Kohake
09578304
World War II Tablets of the Missing
Honolulu Memorial
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
Honolulu, Hawaii
Mr. Albert Kohake
6E Amadar
Seneca, KS 66538
Dear Mr. Kohake:
Enclosed are the color lithograph of the American military memorial and the black and white photograph of the inscription on the Tablets of the Missing, which you requested. These items are furnished you by authority of the Congress of the United States as an expression of the sympathy and gratitude of the American people.
Should you desire to make any further inquiry concerning this memorialization, please write to us at the address shown above. Your letter should include the name, rank, and serial number of the serviceman, and the name of the memorial.
Sincerely,
[signature]
WILLIAM E. RYAN, JR.
Colonel, ADA
Director of Operations and Finance
___________________________________________________________________
Letter Home
April 12, 1945
Dear Bro & Sis,
I seem kindly lonely tonight so will pass the time away trying to write you a letter.
Had mail call yesterday but never heard from you. Was mostly old mail from Feb. Got one from John — will answer it later. Also got one from Alice again. Never heard from her for some time. Guess she still O.K.
How is everything with you? Hope you’re getting along O.K. this spring. I heard the weather is bad.
I made my Easter duty last Sunday — was a week late but it can’t be helped. I was at my battle station all day Easter. Sure put in a rugged Easter.
I am now allowed to tell I was in the battle for Iwo Jima. We bombarded for the Marines. Sure was a rugged battle for the Leathernecks. I also was at Saipan, Tinian, Pearl Harbor before we went to Iwo.
Cyril wrote me some time ago, said he also was at Iwo when I was there.
Well Mildred, it looks like Kelly will get to come home before too long if we keep chasing those Japs. At least it looks a little brighter now.
Say Mildred, I have some pictures there at home somewhere of you. Wish you’d send some of them. Maybe I can keep myself busy making frames for them or one thing or another. You know, pictures help up your morale. Whoo. Something I need often.
I am about to run out words again. Before I use up too many I better write Carl. Never heard from him for a long time. Have you?
Don’t work too hard.
Bro. George
____________________________________________________________________
Military Form Letter
Date: Jan. 28, 1945
Dear Brother,
Hold on to this letter; it will tell you a lot of things you may need to know while I’m away. The Navy wants you to have this information so that you will know about, and be prepared to benefit from, the assistance and protection to which you are entitled.
First, there’s my service number: 957-83-04. Always use it when writing the Navy Department or other official organizations on service matters concerning me. Give them my name, rating (or rank) and service number, like this:
George Elmer Kohake, S 2/c
957-83-04
I’ve applied for family allowance and you should receive each month $. In addition, I’ve allotted directly out of my pay $ each month to ___________.
If you change your address, the check is not received, or a mistake is made in the amount, write to the Field Branch, Bureau of Supplies and Accounts (Family Allowance Division), Navy Department, Cleveland, Ohio.
I have authorized an allotment of $__________ per month for War Bonds, which are being mailed to ___________.
I have taken out $10,000 worth of National Service Life Insurance, Policy No. __________. The premiums are being paid by (allotment from my pay) (direct payment to Veteran’s Administration).
I also have $1000 worth of private company life insurance issued by Knights of Columbus Policy No. __________. The premiums are being (paid by allotment from my pay) (paid direct to the company) (postponed under the provisions of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act).
The insurance mentioned in this letter is a list of valuable assets and where to find them. You may be asked to furnish certified or photostatic copies of my birth certificate (and our marriage certificate), so be sure to have it (them) available.
If you need advice on medical problems or hospital treatment, talk to your local Red Cross Chapter.
If you can’t meet any of my (our) debts, or pay my (our) commercial life insurance premiums when they are due, see our lawyer:
Col. D. Cunningham (Doc)
If you are unsure need for money or relief, go to the Navy Relief Society. If there is an auxiliary of the Society near you; otherwise, to the American Red Cross. I would be able to keep my allotments from my pay coming each month.
If you want to move back to our permanent home (if not there now), get information from the supply officer at any naval installation, for reimbursement by the Navy for transportation of my family and household goods to our permanent home.
— 2 —
If you are required to pay rent for our present home, let your rental agent or the court know that you are in the armed forces. You are protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent by the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act.
If we have bought a home or furniture on an installment plan, or if we owe money on a car, furniture, or other property, you may be able to delay monthly payments under the same Act. We must continue to pay interest and keep property insured. If the seller sues for repossession of the property, tell the judge that I am in the Navy. The court will decide how much longer the payments can be delayed.
If I am sued for any reason, let the court know I am in the Navy. The court must decide if the case should be delayed until I am out of service.
If I am reported missing, captured, or dead, legal assistance on matters affecting our family will be given to you free by the legal assistance officer at the nearest Navy establishment, the Chairman of the State Bar Association, the American Red Cross, or a veteran’s organization.
If I die, my Government insurance would be paid to the designated beneficiary in monthly installments. If my beneficiary were you, the monthly payment would be $56.00.
If I have taken out private insurance, which continues while I’m in Navy service, the company would pay the death benefit to my beneficiary, in accordance with the policy. They must be notified promptly.
If I die without a will, my personal effects and money due me will be handled by the Navy Department. They will be distributed according to law, unless I make a will. I have made one and it is kept by:
Father D. Cunningham (Doc)
Kelly, Kansas
ARTICLE III—RENT, INSTALLMENT CONTRACTS, MORTGAGES, LIENS, ASSIGNMENTS, LEASES.
The provisions of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act of October 17, 1940 were amended in October 1942. That means the Act now protects those in the armed forces more completely. The law protects the Navy man’s dependents too. If a landlord tries to evict a Navy man’s family, or a finance company tries to repossess furniture, or a court tries to enforce a judgment, the dependent should tell the court or the creditor that the Navy man is in the armed forces. A delay may be granted. The law does not cancel obligations, but may postpone them for the duration of the war.