John (Ioannis) E. Karanzas was born on May 15, 1900, to Eleftherios and Maria Karanzas in Sianna, a picturesque village in the southwestern part of the Greek island of Rhodes. At the age of 20, driven by a desire to support his family, John emigrated to the United States. He initially settled in McCleary, Washington, where he found work in a lumber mill. Renowned for his strong work ethic, John impressed a local businessman who offered him a partnership in a grocery store. Tragically, his partner was killed in an automobile accident, leaving John as the sole proprietor. Despite the challenges, John persevered, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1934. On August 19, 1942, at 42 years old, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR) in Aberdeen, Washington, for a two-year service term. Assigned to Fleet Air Wing 14, VB-108 Squadron (Bombing Squadron 108), John served as a Plane Captain and Waist Gunner. The squadron, equipped with 15 PB4Y-1 Liberators, was under the command of Commander E.C. Renfro. John’s crew included Lt. (jg) Lane C. Drye (Plane Commander), Lt. (jg) John S. White (Pilot), Ens. Donald E. Burrough (Navigator), AMM1c Robert H. Moore (Plane Captain), and several other skilled aviators. The squadron conducted extensive operations in the Pacific Theater, initially training in Kaneohe, Hawaii, before deploying to the war zone. VB-108 pioneered low-level bombing tactics, striking Japanese bases with remarkable precision. These daring missions often involved flying just 25 feet above the water to evade radar detection before launching coordinated attacks. There was also a possibility the bombers to engage enemy fighters patrolling the area, however their defensive armament gave them a chance to evade their attacks. John as a waist gunner used his gun not only to defend his bomber but to strafe enemy possitions during their low level attacks. The three kill markings in the form of small Japanese flag on his bomber denotes that he and his fellow gunners used their 0,50'' calibre guns to deadly effect. Between November 1943 and April 1944, the squadron engaged enemy forces across the Gilberts, Marshalls, and Carolines, sinking 20 ships, damaging 22 others, and shooting down 25 enemy planes. Despite the intense combat, VB-108 sustained relatively few losses. John flew over 20 missions during his service, including classified operations under Project K and strikes against Japanese installations in the Marshall Islands. For his valor, he was awarded the Air Medal, two Gold Stars in lieu of additional Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, the last one "For valorous action during numerous aerial combat missions as a member of VB-108 in the Pacific Theater, Nov 1943 - July 1944".

Following the war, John faced the psychological toll of combat, known then as “shell shock” and now recognized as post-traumatic stress. After spending over six months in a hospital, he returned to Greece in 1947 for a period of healing. John credited the therapeutic power of lying on sandy beaches for helping him recover. In 1948, determined to start anew, he returned to the United States with a clear goal: to marry. He met Chrysanthe (Chryse) Diakosavvas, a young woman from a neighboring village, and they wed in June 1948. Together, John and Chrysanthe built a family rooted in Greek culture and Orthodox faith. They raised three daughters—Maria Karanzas Koumantaros, Terry Karanzas Botsis, and Tsambika Karanzas Paulus—with an emphasis on education and cultural heritage. Church attendance and Sunday school were central to their lives, and Greek was the primary language spoken at home. John often emphasized the value of education, remarking, “If I had more schooling, I could have provided a better life for you.” His dedication paid off, as he ensured all his daughters received college educations. John took immense pride in his military service, though he rarely spoke of it. His commitment to his family and community remained steadfast throughout his life. On the eve of his passing, John and Chrysanthe attended a Veterans’ Christmas Party, sharing a toast and a dance. The next morning, he passed away peacefully at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and service. John’s life exemplified the American Dream, marked by his journey from a humble village in Greece to becoming a devoted family man and decorated war hero.