Henry VanLoon

Henry J. Van Loon was born on December 23, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, as the oldest of four children. Raised on the east side of the city, he attended Assumption Grotto Grade School and graduated from De La. Salle Collegiate High School in June 1942. The attack on Pearl Harbor profoundly affected Henry; from that moment on, he wanted to serve in the Navy. On Navy Day, October 27, 1942, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve.

After completing basic training in Chicago, Henry was assigned to the LST-79 as an aviation metalsmith and deployed to the Mediterranean Theater. He spent 20 months stationed at Naval Air Station Port Lyautey in Morocco, where he earned the nickname “Van” among his fellow airdales for his skilled metalwork. In June 1945, Henry was transferred to the Pacific and served aboard the USS Warren (APA-53), a Sumpter-class attack transport. There, he supported Seabee operations and helped transport troops across the region until returning to the U.S. as part of Operation Magic Carpet in December 1945. He received his honorable discharge the following month.

In 1946, Henry married his sweetheart, whom he had met during basic training, and together they raised nine children. Their family has since expanded to include 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. That same year, Henry co-founded Van Loon Industries with his father and brother. The business continues today under the leadership of his son Tom, who is also a Navy veteran. Henry remained active in the company for decades, finally retiring at the age of 99.

Henry Van Loon, now residing in Sterling Heights, Michigan, enjoys his well-earned “early” retirement and takes pride in being a Navy veteran.