Michael J. Giovenazzo was born on January 4, 1920, in Silvis, Illinois. He was one of eight siblings in the Giovenazzo family and graduated from East Moline High School. After graduating high school in 1938, Michael enlisted in the US Navy.

Michael was assigned to the U.S.S Arizona at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as a water tender or boiler custodian. On the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The U.S.S. Arizona, along with the U.S.S. Oklahoma and U.S.S. Utah, would sink in the harbor because of the bombings from the Japanese, resulting in 1,664 casualties out of the over 2,300 service members and civilians who would perish that day. His younger brother, Sam, enlisted in the Navy, like many Americans, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 

While Michael died that day, another brother, Joe, who was also in the Navy, was at Pearl Harbor and survived. The Giovenazzo family, back in Silvis, were told by the Department of the Navy that both brothers were safe. Although this wasn’t true, the brothers were mixed up due to so many casualties needing to be accounted for. On December 22, the Giovenazzo family received word that Michael was missing. Almost two months would pass without a word of or from Michael.

On February 16, 1942, the Giovenazzo family received a letter signed by Secretary of the Navy Frank Nox that Michael was being considered killed in action.

“Owing to the length of time which has elapsed since your son was first reported missing and due to the fact that no further word has been received about him, the Navy Department has abandoned all hope of his surviving an engagement in the Pacific. However, subsequent findings have revealed that the man listed as surviving is a brother, Joseph. The Navy Department and I extend to you our sincere sympathy and deep sorrow at the loss of your son.” 

Michael would be one of three other sailors from the Quad Cities to lose their life on that day. The U.S.S. Arizona, Oklahoma, and Utah became tombs for the 1,664 who sacrificed their lives for their country on December 7.

While Michael Giovenazzo is entombed in the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, he has a memorial marker at Rock Island National Cemetery.


MICHAEL J GIOVENAZZO

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