John Seelie: World War II National Hero

Corporal John Seelie was one of the first soldiers in World War II to witness the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He and members of the 25th Infantry Division fired upon the aircraft from Schofield Barracks, but to no avail. Minutes later, Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona were destroyed.

Decades later, in a chance meeting while cheering on the Cleveland Browns, John Seelie met Michael Cahill in a Florida bar. The two became instant friends, with Michael creating events for John to attend as a national hero.

On May 25, 2017, during his historic trip to Manhattan, John Seelie became the first Pearl Harbor veteran to visit the 9/11 Museum in New York City. Events, speeches, and honor guards accompanied him throughout the visit.

This seventy-six year journey honors and remembers those who served before us, giving us the freedom we have today.

This is the story of his patriotism.