About
Earl John Wells, the son of Cecil and Marjorie (Wallerius) Wells, was born on July 29, 1921, in Amsterdam, New York. His gravestone states that he was born on August 7, 1921, although the birth index states that he was born on July 29, 1921. By 1925, he was living with his family in Rotterdam Junction, New York. Earl attended Woestina High School before joining the military.
On October 30, 1939, Earl enlisted in the United States Navy. He held the rank of Fire Controlman Third Class and was assigned to the USS Quincy. Earl was never located after the USS Quincy was lost during the Battle of Savo Island on August 9, 1942. Because they couldn't declare him dead until he had been missing for one year and one day, his death date is listed as August 10, 1943. He is remembered at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Philippines.
Sources: The Schenectady Gazette, Find A Grave, Ancestry