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- Rank: S1c
- Branch: US Navy
- Home Town: Perryville, NY
- Date Of Birth: July 25, 1923
- Disposition: Unrecovered
- Family DNA on File: NO
S1c Laverne Alfred Austin
Laverne Alfred Austin was just 17 when he joined the Navy in December 1940.
He was killed a year later as a seaman first class on the U.S.S. Arizona as Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
Mr. Austin was born in Perryville, New York, on July 25, 1923, and attended Cazenovia Central School until he left in his senior year to enlist. He would have graduated in the class of 1941.
His father, Alfred, was a laborer at a quarry and his mother, Jessie, was a homemaker. They were divorced by the time their son enlisted.
More than 250 people of the rural area attended a memorial service for Mr. Austin at the Nelson Methodist Church in late December 1941.
His body was recovered on Dec. 11 and buried after the war at Peterboro Cemetery in Peterboro, New York.
Sources: The Cazenovia (New York) Republican; Census; Navy muster rolls. Navy photo. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.