John Ladutko enlisted into the United States Navy on 1942-08-28. Seaman Second Class Ladutko was received on board the USS Hobson (DD-464) on 1943-03-22. He was previously stationed in Casco Bay, Portland, ME where he received training with the ship. The USS Hobson (DD-464) participated in escort duty, the Invasion of North Africa, an attack on German shipping at Bodø, Norway, in a Hunter-Killer Group that attacked German U-Boats, in D-Day on Utah Beach, in the Bombardment of Cherbourg, and the Invasion of Southern France.

The USS Hobson was reclassified as a Destroyer Minesweeper on 1944-11-15. USS Hobson (DMS-26) participated in the Battle of Okinawa. Ladutko spent his entire military career on the Hobson. He had numerous changes in rank; Seaman First Class on 1943-09-01, Fireman First Class on 1944-08-01, Watertender Third Class on 1946-02-01, Watertender Second Class in 1947, and Boiler Technician Petty Officer Second Class in 1948. On 1946-11-06, he was transferred to Oil Burning School in Philadelphia, PA after receiving the rank of Watertender Third Class. On 1948-08-23, he was transferred to R/S Norfolk, VA for his discharge from naval service. 

John Ladutko was born on 1922-11-23 to Michael and Anna Ladutko in New Haven, CT. He had two older siblings: Peter and Mary. His three younger siblings were Michael, Alex, and William. After his high school graduation, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked in Nevada as well as at Camp #220 in Plattsburg, NY. Ladutko enlisted into the US Navy in 1942 and was discharged in 1948.

After his Naval career, he worked for Allendale Equipment Company. He married Barbara Louise Norton on 1950-12-31 in Ramapo, NY. They had two children: John “Todd” and Randy. The Ladutko’s have five grandchildren: J. Bradford, Jennifer Ladutko Sewell, J. Cody, Alexandra A. and M. Brooke. They have one great-granddaughter:  Cora Faith. John Ladutko was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Allendale, NJ. He was also a fan of the New York Yankees baseball team as well as the New York Giants football team. Ladutko died on 2021-12-12. He was 99. 

John Ladutko, 1940 United States Federal Census.

John Ladutko, Dignity Memorial.

John Ladutko, New York State, Marriage Index, 1881-1967.

John Ladutko, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.

John Ladutko, U.S., World War II Navy Muster Rolls, 1938-1949.