At 100, WWII Veteran Celebrates a Life of Service Aboard Battleship New Jersey

Why It Matters

The event highlights the critical role veterans play in keeping WWII history alive for future generations as the surviving cohort rapidly declines. It also shows how historic ship museums leverage personal narratives to deepen public engagement and support heritage preservation.

Key Takeaways

• Veteran turned museum guide for over 20 years.
• Received New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal at age 100.
• Served Pacific theater; heard Japan's surrender transmission.
• IRS career spanned 43 years after military service.
• Battleship New Jersey museum relies on veterans for authenticity.

Pulse Analysis

As the United States approaches the centennial of World War II, the nation faces a narrowing window to capture living testimony from those who served. Veterans like John “Johnny Q” Quinesso provide irreplaceable oral histories that enrich academic research, documentary filmmaking, and public memory. Their personal recollections bridge the gap between textbook facts and the human experience of war, offering nuanced perspectives on strategy, sacrifice, and the emotional aftermath of conflict. Museums and educational institutions increasingly prioritize these narratives to ensure that future generations grasp the true cost of liberty.

The Battleship New Jersey museum exemplifies how historic vessels can become dynamic classrooms when staffed by veteran volunteers. Quinesso’s two‑decade tenure as a tour guide has transformed the ship from a static exhibit into a storytelling platform, where visitors hear first‑hand accounts of island hopping, radio operations, and the moment Japan surrendered. This authentic voice not only boosts visitor engagement but also drives repeat attendance and donor support, reinforcing the museum’s financial sustainability. Programs that pair veterans with school groups have shown measurable gains in students’ historical empathy and civic awareness.

Honoring veterans through ceremonies and awards, such as Quinesso’s Distinguished Service Medal, serves a dual purpose: it validates the individual’s lifelong dedication and signals to the broader public the value of preserving heritage. These recognitions can catalyze media coverage, attract tourism, and inspire community volunteers to participate in preservation efforts. As the veteran population ages, proactive documentation and public celebration become essential strategies for safeguarding the collective memory of World War II and fostering a culture of service-oriented citizenship.

At 100, WWII Veteran Celebrates a Life of Service Aboard Battleship New Jersey

Associated Press · By Tassanee Vejpongsa · Published February 09, 2026 at 8:45 am ET

John “Johnny Q” Quinesso Sr., a WWII veteran, holds a photo of his younger self during his 100th‑birthday celebration on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 in Camden, N.J., aboard the Battleship New Jersey. (AP Photo/Tassanee Vejpongsa)

ABOARD BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY — Aboard the Battleship New Jersey, surrounded by friends, family and the ship’s important legacy, John “Johnny Q” Quinesso Sr. marked a milestone: his 100th birthday.

The World War II Navy veteran and longtime volunteer was honored last week with a special luncheon and recognition ceremony on the nation’s most decorated battleship. The celebration was Thursday; his actual birthday was Jan. 24.

For Quinesso, a lifelong South Jersey resident, the celebration was not just about longevity — it is about service that has never stopped.

Apart from serving three years in the South Pacific as a Radioman 2nd Class, the WWII veteran has spent more than two decades volunteering at the Battleship New Jersey Museum, sharing his experiences and educating students and visitors from around the world.

“I call the Battleship New Jersey my second home,” Quinesso said. “I’ve been a tour guide here for over 20 years. It’s one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever done in my life.”

For Quinesso, teaching visitors about the Battleship New Jersey is about more than history — it’s about understanding the cost of freedom.

“To let them know that without the battleship, we may not be able to start building our freedom today,” he said.

Quinesso joined the Navy straight out of high school in 1943, at 19 years old. Trained as a radio operator, he served aboard the LSM‑302, a medium landing ship that delivered troops, tanks and supplies to beaches across the Pacific. His service took him to Wake Island, Guam, Okinawa and Saipan during some of the war’s most intense fighting.

One moment, however, stands above all others. Off the coast of Guam, the crew at that point was preparing for a potentially devastating invasion of Japan with ships on the ocean as far as he could see. One night, while standing the midnight watch on the radio, Quinesso received a transmission that would change the world.

“The Japanese had surrendered. The war is over,” he recalled. “I ran right down to the captain and banged on his door.”

Quinesso said after that all hell broke loose on the ship, with the crew crying and hugging each other.

“That was my most glorious moment. I’ll never forget it — it feels like yesterday.”

After returning home, Quinesso built a 43‑year career as an IRS agent. But when the Battleship New Jersey reopened as a museum in 2001, he found a new calling: educating future generations about sacrifice, service and history.

Marshall Spevak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum, said Quinesso’s presence carries a special weight as time pushes the history of WWII further into the past.

“There’s still a certain reverence when you talk to a World War II veteran,” he said. “There will only be a few more years where we have World War II vets in this world. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to tell their stories so their legacy lives on.”

At 100, Quinesso remains sharp, warm and quick with humor. He often tells students that service helped shape his life.

“I went in as a young boy and came out a grown‑up young man,” Quinesso said. “That’s what service did for me.”

During last week’s ceremony, Quinesso received New Jersey’s Distinguished Service Medal, the state’s highest military award. For Quinesso, the recognition is meaningful — but being on the ship, telling stories and connecting with people remains the best reward.