Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. James Richard Ward (September 10, 1921 December 7, 1941) was born in Springfield, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Navy at Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 25, 1940. After basic training, he reported on board the battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37).James Richard Ward (September 10, 1921 December 7, 1941) was born in Springfield, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Navy at Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 25, 1940. After basic training, he reported on board the battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37).