Navy, Aaro Ikkala was a 22 year old Navy Seaman First Class serving on board the USS Aulick DD 569, one of the Fletcher Class destroyers that was part of the Little Beaver Squadron. On November 29, 1944, the USS Aulick was part of an anti-submarine patrol in the east entrance to Leyte Gulf. The Aulick was attacked by six Japanese planes. A plane struck the starboard side of the bridge. The explosion set the number two gun and handling room on fire and resulted in the loss of life of 31 men and 64 wounded, and one missing. Aaro Ikkala was a gunner's mate and was one of the men killed that day.