Surnames: Kocher, Luzinski

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 02/17/1949

Kocherer, Alvin G. (? - 27 JUN 1944)

Funeral services were conducted Saturday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church by Rev. A.M. Muckerheide for MoM1C Alvin George Kocherer (spelled Kocher in Obit, but cemetery says Kocherer) whose remains were returned here from overseas. Interment took place in the parish cemetery in charge of the American Legion Post No. 118.

Alvin enlisted in the Navy at Chicago, Ill. on Feb. 18, 1941. He went to Great Lakes, Ill. for boot training, after which he went back to Chicago to the U.S. naval Training School, Navy Pier. There he learned about the Navy’s fastest ship the P.T. Torpedo Boats. From there he went to Melville, R.I., and in 3 months to Calif., from where he was sent overseas on duty. In 1944, he was in New Guinea. The ship he was on, the P.T. 117 was torpedoed by the enemy. Alvin, not thinking of himself, tried to rescue his buddy. Both were burned very severely. They were taken to a Naval hospital along with other buddies. Two weeks alter, on June 27, 1944, these two heroes died from burns one hour, twenty minutes apart.

Alvin Kocher graduated from St. Bernard’s Catholic School and also attended Thorp High School.

Written May 20, 1945, as follows: "Alvin Kocher, who so gloriously gave his life for his county to preserve our liberty and freedom. May the memory of his sacrifice and courage of braveness be a source of consolation to his loved ones." By Rev A.M. Muckerheide

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kocher of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), and 3 sisters, Delores of Chicago, (Anne) Mrs. Mike Luzinski, Thorp, and Midgie; brothers, Clarence of Stanley and Pfc. Francis Kocher, U.S. Air Force at Alaska. Francis was unable to attended because of bad weather conditions. Several aunts and uncles, cousins, 2 nephews and 1 niece, and grandmother, Mrs. Josephine Kocher of Thorp.

Six buddies in U.S. Navy uniforms served as pallbearers: Ed Smith, Ed Brunett, Dale Anderson, Gilbert Alger, Wilfred Vanderhyden, Jr., John Selby and Ed Izydorek.