RICHARD NEWTON TURNER
Richard Newton Turner was born 24-NOV 1918 in West Plains Missouri. His parents were Isaac Anderson Turner (1880-1957), and Georgia Ann Thrasher (1886-1957). Richard had four sisters: Minnie, Ruth, Maggie, and Fay and three brothers: Garfield, Isaac, and Roy.
Richard enlisted in the Navy on 10-OCT 1939 in Dallas Texas and completed his basic training at Naval Training Center San Diego, California. He reported for duty on the USS Arizona on 24-JAN 1940. He was a Seaman First Class S1C, and his serial number was 3561783. Richard was serving on the USS Arizona when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7-DEC 1941. After the attack, Richard was transferred to the submarine base at Pearl harbor for duty.
During the Pearl Harbor attack, 1,512 officers, sailors, and marines were assigned to the battleship USS Arizona. Only 335 survived the “Day of Infamy.” Many of these survivors were aboard the Arizona during the attack. Others were away on liberty, attending training, or assigned to special duty ashore. Since that tragic day all of these men have worn the moniker of “survivor” with grace and reluctance. Many feel fortunate to have survived but many are haunted by the loss of their friends and fellow shipmates. It is not known whether Richard was onboard the Arizona at the time of the attack.
Richard was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1947. He returned to the Navy and served during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Chief Boatswain’s Mate (CBM).
Richard was eligible for the following medals and commendations:
- World War II Victory Medal
- Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal
- American Defense Medal
- Navy Occupation Medal
- Korean Defense Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
He married Toshiko Turner (1918-1982). Richard Newton Turner retired from the Navy in September 1958 after serving for twenty years. He had served in World War II and Korea. He died 14-MAR 1997 in Mena Arkansas and is buried in Board Camp Cemetery in Polk County Arkansas alongside his wife Toshiko.
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