SALINAS — Monterey County Board of Supervisors recently held a special ceremony to honor the distinguished service of Salinas World War II Merchant Marine veteran John Edward Laughton and declared Nov. 12, 2024, as “John Edward Laughton Day” in Monterey County.
Laughton, born on Oct. 13, 1921, in San Bernardino County, later relocated to Salinas, where he was raised and attended local schools, graduating from Salinas High School. In January 1942, he received his draft notice #441 and joined the U.S. Merchant Marines.
Laughton was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, aboard the SS Hobbs Victory Ship carrying 6,000 tons of ammunition. On April 6, 1945, the ship was struck by Kamikaze airplanes and sunk. Laughton ended up in a lifeboat, saving several of his shipmates. Sadly, 11 out of 99 crew members were killed that day, and many others were injured.
In May 2022, Laughton was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in San Francisco for his courage, service and contributions. He celebrated his 103rd birthday on Oct. 13, and remains a staunch advocate for the American Merchant Marine veterans.
