Eroni Kumana died in his home in Western Province on Saturday, aged 93.
His death comes just ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is due to arrive in the Solomon Islands for the annual commemoration marking the service of Kumana and his colleagues.
Kumana and his colleague Kiuku Gasa were patrolling the waters of the Solomon Sea near Gizo on August 2, 1943, when they were tasked to search for survivors of an explosion.
The pair found Kennedy and his men, who had swum to a nearby island. The future president carved a message on the husk of a coconut, giving it to Kumana and Gasa who – at great risk – rowed 65km through Japanese patrolled waters to the nearest Allied base.
Kennedy and his men were rescued, later prompting an invitation to attend Kennedy’s inauguration 16 years later.
Their service went unacknowledged for decades until last year, when the bravery of Solomon Islanders serving under Royal Australian Navy command during the Second World War was recognised by the federal government.
A commemorative medal was issued for the coastwatchers and scouts, 70 years since the Battle of Guadalcanal,
Kumana's son Esori said his father passed away surrounded by family members and was laid to rest on his home island of Ronongga on Monday.
"It was very sad (but) he lived a full life and we are proud of him," he said via telephone from the island, where villagers were preparing a feast in Kumana's honour.
Share
