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Corporal Albert John Homiak

A sepia headshot of a young White man in a uniform looking at the camera.
  • Unit: USS Hancock
  • Date of Birth: October 22, 1925
  • Entered the Military: October 14, 1943
  • Date of Death: March 15, 2004
  • Hometown: Newport, Delaware
  • Place of Death: Bear, Delaware
  • Award(s): Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation SVC Medal with Asia clasp, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Honorable Service Lapel Button, Marine Corps Honorable Discharge Button
  • Cemetery: Section M, Row J, Site 20. Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear, Delaware
Contributed by Sarina Forston, Joseph Robertson, and Ethan Wilkes
Mentored by Mrs. Emily Green
Polytech High School, Woodside, Delaware
2025/2026

Early Life

Albert John Homiak was born in Mark, Illinois, on October 22, 1925, along with his twin brother, Russell Joseph Homiak, to Theodore and Margaret Homiak. Although born in Illinois, he and his brother grew up in Newport, Delaware. He and his brother fought all the time, as stubbornness is part of being a Homiak.

Growing up in Newport 

During junior high, Homiak attended the Krebs School in Newport, Delaware, and graduated in 1939. Later, he attended Henry C. Conrad High School, where he excelled in track, baseball, basketball, football, swimming, and the violin.

When the Homiaks were in seventh grade, they won a tour to the New York World’s Fair organized by the Wilmington Morning News. 

Challenges and Experiences 

It was only his first year of high school when his father unfortunately passed away from an infection following appendicitis in 1940. This did not stop Homiak’s pursuit of his hobbies, however, as he soon became the captain of his high school basketball team. 

He and his brother spent only three years in high school before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. While in high school, he temporarily worked as a carpenter’s helper and a laborer for the Shell Manufacturing Company. 

A snippet of the 1930s Census.
The 1930 Census shows Homiak and his family residing in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. Father, Russell, works as a laborer in a coal mine. National Archives and Records Administration.
A newspaper article titled “Krebs School Orchestra Formed, Officers Elected.”
Homaik was elected to be the treasurer of the orchestra at his school, the Krebs School, February 26, 1938. The News Journal.
A newspaper article titled “Four More Boys and Girls Join News Tour.” with portraits of each child.
Homiak and his twin brother were selected to attend a news tour to the New York World’s Fair, June 7, 1939. The News Journal.

Homefront

During World War II, New Castle, Delaware, specialized in ship manufacturing, tin canning, and nylon production. Two of the largest corporations that engaged in these activities were DuPont Chemical Corporation and Dravo Corporation. 

DuPont Chemical Corporation 

DuPont was known for its development of innovative chemical processes. Notably, DuPont revolutionized canned goods production with its “Halogen Tin Process” for coating steel plates, which was useful for food containers. 

DuPont was also responsible for the invention of nylon, which was used in various fabrics, such as parachutes and flak jackets. The DuPont Experimental Station on Brandywine Creek pioneered a method for extracting “pure” nylon from recycled clothing, thereby innovating clothing production. 

Dravo Corporation 

The Dravo shipyard on the Christiana River built destroyer escorts and landing ships for amphibious operations. Dravo was also one of the many contractors that built Liberty Ships, supplying the Allied Armies in Europe. 

Together, Dravo and DuPont became two of the most influential wartime manufacturing corporations in Delaware. 

Community Contribution

The community also contributed to the war effort by participating in rationing, growing victory gardens, and running war bond drives. One example of rationing was the Wilmington War Price and Ration Board’s regulations that reduced mileage and gasoline consumption, helping Americans conserve tires. 

War bond drives were a common effort in New Castle, Delaware. The American Red Cross, Krebs School, Hockessin School, and various jazz concerts worked to raise millions through numerous war bond drives.

Victory Gardens

The waterfront city was not a place for industrial farming, so various groups and families turned to victory gardens. It was very common for the Boy Scouts to be major contributors to these victory gardens. One instance was when the Victory Farm Volunteer Program recruited sixty-one Boy Scouts to help cut asparagus. 

With heavy support from the urban region of New Castle, Delaware, the city became a crucial asset to the war effort.

A black and white newspaper advertisement featuring a soldier holding a rifle and a cigarette in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other.
An advertisement encouraging people to add “green” to their Red, White, and Blue by contributing to the United War Fund of Delaware, October 11, 1944. The Morning News.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Homiak-DuPont-1942.png" alt="A newspaper article titled “DuPont Co. Perfects Economical Tin Process.” " class="wp-image-12870"/>
Article in The News Journal outlines DuPont’s new process for plating strip steel with tin, April 6, 1942.
A newspaper article titled “Tank Landing Vessel Launched at Davo” features two large images. The top one is two men and two women at the ceremony. The bottom one is the ship going into the water.
Photographs in The News Journal celebrating the launching of a new vessel at Dravo, March 10, 1943.

Military Experience

Training and Assignment

Homiak enlisted in the Marines as soon as he turned eighteen in October of 1943, in search of money-making opportunities. He would not complete his senior year of high school before deploying. 

Homiak attended basic training on Parris Island, South Carolina, and received further training at Sea School, Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia. He was assigned to USS Hancock on March 6, 1944, and was aboard when it was commissioned in Virginia on April 15. This assignment was ironic, as he was easily prone to sea sickness, but he definitely did not allow it to get in the way.

Early Deployments

In October of 1944, USS Hancock traversed the Panama Canal and sailed across the Pacific Ocean to join the carrier strike force. When it arrived, it would spend its opening weeks fighting off air attacks and supporting landings in the Philippine Islands. Eventually, it would force its way into mainland Japan and fend off air attacks from there.

USS Hancock

This ship would spend the war sailing with Task Force 38/58 (its name changed depending on which fleet it was assigned to). As an aircraft carrier, Hancock provided a base of operations for squadrons of fighters and dive-bombers. Hancock would rarely ever see the enemy; when it did, its foes were primarily Japanese aircraft. 

Homiak was assigned to counter these attacks with a mounted 20mm Anti-Aircraft (AA) gun. AA guns came in various sizes, but the 20mm was generally the smallest aboard carriers. Homiak engaged planes only when they came extremely close. 

Homiak’s Bronze Star

On April 7, 1945, a Japanese kamikaze attack struck USS Hancock and triggered a bomb burst aboard. Despite orders to abandon his post due to exploding ammunition, he heroically chose to fight the fire nearby. His fearless actions ensured that USS Hancock could continue its contribution to the Pacific Theater and demonstrated that one should never underestimate a Homiak’s sheer stubbornness. 

On January 22, 1948, Homiak received a letter from the President of the United States, awarding him the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device (for valor) and congratulating him on his service. 

Other Feats

Homiak was also with the first marine contingent to occupy Japanese soil, landing at Yokosuka Naval Base on August 30, 1945. Homiak was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945.

Post-World War II

Immediately following World War II, in 1946, Albert John Homiak married Lois Marie Stout. As a result of his service, he was elected as the sergeant-at-arms of the newly established Christiana Post of the American Legion. He worked as a foreman on the General Motors assembly line in Wilmington, Delaware.

Korean War

On June 5, 1950, Homiak re-enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves as part of the 6th Infantry Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Naval Base Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While on Active Duty Reserve, Homiak was assigned to Anti-Aircraft Artillery units at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. On June 19, 1951, he was promoted to corporal. He was released from active duty the next day. That same year, he earned his GED and began pursuing a business degree at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware. 

Homiak’s final discharge from the United States Marine Corps was on March 23, 1955. 

A sepia toned head shot of a young White man in uniform.
Picture of Homiak taken upon original enlistment, November 7, 1943. National Archives and Records Administration.
A handwritten card with information about Homiak.
Homiak’s draft registration card, 1944. Portions are redacted for privacy reasons. National Archives and Records Administration.
A typed letter explaining the reason for Homiak getting a Bronze Star.
Letter awarding Homiak the Bronze Star for refusing to abandon his post in the face of a strong enemy attack and fire, January 22, 1948. Portions have been redacted for privacy reasons. National Archives and Records Administration.

Veteran Experience

After the Korean War 

At some point after World War II, Homiak and Lois Marie divorced. Albert John Homiak then married Joan Eskridge, and together they had three children. During this time, Homiak continued to exemplify the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “always faithful,” toward the community. He pursued a career in law enforcement and became one of the very first Delaware Memorial Bridge Police officers. During this time, Homiak worked at the University of Maryland Traffic School, training new recruits in the Accident Investigation course. Eventually, he rose to the rank of captain. 

Retirement 

In 1972, he decided to put his badge down and enter the real estate market. He became general manager of Century 21 Goldsborough, finally putting his business degree to use, and eventually opened his own Century 21 Centennial office before retiring in 1996. 

A black and white photo with a caption description. The photo shows a police trooper in uniform outside a car that has crashed. There are two others standing outside the crash.
Homiak investigates a crash on the DuPont Parkway, December 2, 1959. The Morning News.
A newspaper article titled, “A Phone Call, A Newspaper Story; Tragedy Redeemed.”
The Morning News reports Homiak’s efforts to assist a struggling family by delivering a turkey, January 13, 1962.
A black and white headshot image of an older White man in a suit and tie. The caption reads, “Albert Homiak Glasgow, 836-1444.”
Advertisement for Homiak’s real estate company, February 25, 1989. The News Journal.

Commemoration

On March 15, 2004, Albert John Homiak passed away at the age of seventy-eight. He was buried at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. After his death, Corporal Albert John Homiak was inducted into the Delaware Hall of Heroes. 

Corporal Albert John Homiak loved every member of his family and horse racing. The Homiak legacy is carried through his three children, several nieces and nephews, six grandchildren, and a great-grandson.  

A black and white image of a young White couple holding each other while looking at the camera. The man is in a suit and tie. The woman is in a pantsuit.
Albert and his wife Joan, c.1951. Courtesy of Albert Homiak, Jr.
nhdsilentheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Homiak-Police.jpg" alt="A black and white photo of an older White man from the chest up in a police uniform. " class="wp-image-12880"/>
Homiak in his police uniform, Find a Grave.
A color photo of an older White man sitting in a chair holding a young boy and a toddler-aged girl on either knee. Behind him stand a White woman. They are inside a home.
Albert with his wife, Joan, and two grandchildren in 1977. Courtesy of Albert Homiak, Jr.

Bibliography

Primary Sources 

“2 Women Hurt When Auto Is Knocked Into Abutment.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], December 2, 1959. Newspapers.com (155652433). 

“3rd War Loan Drive Program for First Three Days in City.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], September 8, 1943. Newspapers.com (161846474). 

“61 Scouts Help Cut Asparagus.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (162253544). 

“2,000 Appeals Jam Delaware Draft Offices.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], February 17, 1944. Newspapers.com (161875644). 

“Add Your Green to the Red, White & Blue.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware] October 11, 1944. Newspapers.com (160473565).

“Albert Homiak.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], February 25, 1989. Newspapers.com. (155356917).

Albert J. (Skip) Homiak Jr. Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-Current. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

Albert John Homiak, Official Military Personnel File, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis. 

Albert John Homiak. Report of Separation, Department of the Navy, National Archives and Records Administration – St. Louis. 

Albert John Homiak. World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947. Digital Images. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

“Bond and Stamp Sales at Hockessin $5,345.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (162253713). 

Delaware. New Castle County. 1940 U.S. Census. Digital Images. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

Delaware. New Castle County. 1950 U.S. Census. Digital Images. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

“Dredge Lymann’s Launching Today.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], September 15, 1944. Newspapers.com (160470276). 

“DuPont Co. Perfects Economical Tin Process.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 6, 1942. Newspapers.com (161433103). 

“First City Area Over Top in Red Cross War Fund.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], March 15, 1945. Newspapers.com (160475914). 

“Four More Boys and Girls to Join News Tour.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], June 7, 1939. Newspapers.com (161813274).  

Homiak Family Records. 1943-1977. Courtesy of Albert “Skip” Homiak Jr. 

“Individual Bond Purchases Lag.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], February 17, 1944. Newspapers.com (161875644). 

“Krebs School Orchestra Formed, Officers Elected.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], February 26, 1938. Newspapers.com (161814241). 

“Krebs School to Hold Finals.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], June 1, 1940. Newspapers.com (161103967). 

“Ladies Auxiliary.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (162253713). 

“Mass Meeting of Retailers and Clerks Opens Campaign In Wilmington; Admiral W.F. Halsey Will Speak Tonight in the Playhouse Rally.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], January 18, 1944. Newspapers.com (161849074). 

“New American Legion Post Elects Officers.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], January 23, 1946. Newspapers.com (154333475). 

“New Process Aids Tin Can Industry.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], January 17, 1944. Newspapers.com (160665364). 

“New Type Landing Craft to Be Launched Today.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (162253544). 

Pennsylvania. New Cumberland County. 1930 U.S. Census. Digital Images. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

 “A Phone Call, A Newspaper Story: Tragedy Redeemed.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], January 13, 1962. Newspapers.com (155356917). 

“Population Shifts to Cities Mounts.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], July 12, 1943.  Newspapers.com (160819671). 

“Promotions.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], December 13, 1956. Newspapers.com (155624683). 

“Promotions of 7 state police ok’d.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], November 11, 1965.  Newspapers.com (154705567). 

“Review of Farmer’s Draft Status Ordered.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], February 17, 1944. Newspapers.com (161875644). 

“Special Officers Guard Big Bridge.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], June 12, 1952. Newspapers.com (154513513). 

“Tank Landing Vessel Launched at Dravo.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], March 10, 1943. Newspapers.com (161899787). 

“Treasury Flag to Fly Again.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (162253713). 

“Troopers to block tipsy drivers.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], December 19, 1963. Newspapers.com (155733701).   

“Two State Police Officers Promoted.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], August 3, 1961. Newspapers.com (155522372). 

“U. of D. Selected to Train Soldiers in Engineering.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], February 8, 1943. Newspapers.com (160813361). 

“VFW Post Dedicates Honor Roll For 23.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], November 17, 1950. Newspapers.com (160453806). 

 “Victory Gardeners Explained Rules for Extra Gas Coupons.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], April 29, 1944. Newspapers.com (162253635). 

“Your Old Nylon Stockings Can Go to War, Too.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], December 30, 1942. Newspapers.com (161698539). 

“Youths Charged in Theft, Chase.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], January 25, 1957. Newspapers.com (155560187). 

“Yule Decoration Prizes Revealed.” The Morning News [Wilmington, Delaware], December 28, 1956. Newspapers.com (155633361).

Secondary Sources 

“Albert Homiak Named Executive Director of Campus and Public Safety at UD.” Udaily. Last modified July 25, 2008. Accessed December 9, 2025. https://www1.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2009/jul/safety072508.html. 

“Albert Homiak Obituary.” Delaware Online. Updated March 16, 2004. Accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/delawareonline/name/albert-homiak-obituary?id=48481907. 

“Albert HOMIAK Obituary.” The News Journal [Wilmington, Delaware], March 16, 2004. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/delawareonline/name/albert-homiak-obituary?id=48481907. 

“Albert John Homiak.” Find a Grave. Accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33315180/albert-john-homiak. 

Albert John Homiak. U.S. Veterans’ Gravesites, 1775-2019. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

“Albert John Homiak.” Veterans Legacy Memorial. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/ALBERTJOHNHOMIAK/6e6386.

“Bio For Albert (Skip) Homiak.” Patterson Schwartz. Accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.pattersonschwartz.com/bio/shomiak. 

Debbie Homiak. Obituary Index, 1800s- Current. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

“Delaware State Police Annual Reports 1967.” Delaware Department of Transportation. Accessed December 9, 2025. https://deldot.gov/environmental/archaeology/historic_pres/annual_reports/pdf/1967/dsp_dmv.pdf. 

“Joan Homiak-Lloyd.” Delaware Online. Updated March 31, 2023. Accessed December 9, 2025. https://www.delawareonline.com/obituaries/pdov0459052. 

Michael J. Homiak. Obituary Index, 1800s-Current. https://ancestryclassroom.com. 

United States Navy and Hines, Eugene G., “The ‘Fighting Hannah’: a war history of the U.S.S. Hancock CV19.” (1945). Regimental Histories. 146. https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/ww_reg_his/146. 

“USS Hancock (CV-19/CVA-19).” Naval History and Heritage Command. Last modified July 14, 2015. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/h/hancock-iv.html. 

“Wilmington: An American World War Heritage City.” Greater Wilmington. Accessed November 7, 2025. https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/things-to-do/arts-culture-and-history/wilmington-american-wwii-heritage- city/. 


This profile was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.