Opsvig John Thomas “Johnny”

Monuments

The Monument to the Aviation Martyrs in the War of Resistance Against Japan

Name:

John Thomas “Johnny” Opsvig

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-730590

Unit:

449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group

Date of Death:

1944-05-06

State:

North Dakota

Cemetery:

Manila American Cemetery, Taguig, Philippines

Plot:

Walls of the Missing

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Air Medal, Purple Heart

Comments:

John Thomas “Johnny” Opsvig was born on December 9, 1921 in Ward County, North Dakota. He was the son of Claus Opsvig and Harriet Louise Carlson Opsvig. he served in the 449th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group as a First Lieutenant World War II. He went missing over China on May 5-6, 1944 and was officially declared dead on February 7, 1946. His name is commemorated on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Taguig City, Philippines. He also has a cenotaph located in First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Minot, Ward County, North Dakota. 1Lt Opsvig was one of over 2000 Americans who lost their lives defending China from their Japanese invaders from 1941-1945. He is also commemorated on the The Monument to the Aviation Martyrs in the War of Resistance Against Japan in Nanjing, China and ranked as a Second Lieutenant.