Seaman First Class Leonard William Barenthin was born in Rock Island, Illinois on October 15,1915. He had two siblings: a sister, Mrs. Ethel Reed and a brother, Henry S. Barenthin.
Four months prior to his 24th birthday (on May 29, 1939), Leonard married Mary Kay Payne. He and Mary were the proud parents of two children: a son, Stephen and a daughter, Deanna.
In the year immediately preceeding his enlistment into the U.S. Navy, Leonard was employed at the Farmall works division of International Harvester Company.
Leonard enlisted on April 4, 1944 at Chicago, IL. He received his basic training at Farragut, Idaho. He advanced from AS (Apprentice Seaman) to S2c (Seaman 2nd class) on April 26, 1944.
He transferred from Farragut to the Advanced Naval Training School, Lake Union, Seattle, WA on June 21, 1944. His training was in Fire Control. He completed training on October 17th and was transferred to the receiving barracks at Shoemaker, CA.
Charles arrived at Shoemaker on October 24th and was noted as a S2c FC (fire Control). He was assigned general detail and would continue his training. He was transferred for duty aboard USS Indianapolis CA-35 on December 1, 1944.
He went aboard Indianapolis at Mare Island, Vallejo, CA, where she was undergoing overhaul and repairs following lengthy service in the Pacific. Leonard had a month to become familiar with the ship, his duties and meet his shipmates. Indianapolis depart the navy yard on Jan 3, 1945, sailing back to the Pacific.
In February and March, Leonard was present for the battle action during the operations at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He was entitled to wear the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon with two battle stars awarded for these operations.
Leonard would never return home to his wife and two children. He was lost at sea as a result of the July 30, 1945 sinking of USS Indianapolis.
His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously.
Source CreditsThe Daily Times, (Davenport, Iowa), Mon, May 31, 1937, p. 6; citing marriage of Barenthin and Payne.
1940 US Census, IN, Marion Co., Indianapolis, Dist 96-150. Enumerated April 9, 1940
HH# 4414 (bottom apartment), New Park Street
Leonard W. Berenthin, 24 yo, b. Rock Island, IL. Is a high school graduate. He is working for a household products company.
Mary K, wife, 24 yo, b. East St. Louis, IL. Is a high school graduate.
Steven John, son, 2 yo, b. Rock Island, IL.
Navy Department, Casualty Section, Office of Public Information (1946): Combat Connected Naval Casualties, WWII, by States; Vol. AL-MO; IL, p. 3; citing Mary Payne Barenthin, wife of Leonard William Barenthin.
Rank / Rating: S1-Seaman First Class
ABBOTT, George Stanley 
FRONTINO, Vincent Fred 
AMICK, Homer Irwin