BRANCH OF SERVICE
U.S. Navy
HOMETOWN
West Baden Springs, IN
HONORED BY
A
Grateful American
ACTIVITY DURING WWII
ENLISTED ON 16 APRIL 1943. ASSIGNED
ON 30 NOVEMBER 1943 TO THE USS GEORGE DE-697, A BUCKLEY CLASS DESTROYER ESCORT.
AFTER SHAKEDOWN OFF BERMUDA SAILED FROM BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS TO ESCORT
MERCHANTMAN FROM NORFOLK, VIRGINIA TO NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA ARRIVED ON 19
FEBRUARY 1944. SPRING 1944 ESCORTED TRANSPORTS TO THE ADMIRALTY, NEW HEBRIDES
AND SOLOMON ISLANDS. 16 MAY 1944 SAILED FROM FLORIDA ISLAND, SOLOMON IN A HUNTER
KILLER GROUP ASSISTED IN SINKING SIX JAPANESE SUBMARINES AND RETURNED TO MANUS
ISLAND. CONTINUED ESCORT DUTY IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. DEPARTED GUAM ON 18
SEPTEMBER 1945 FOR SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA ARRIVING ON 5 OCTOBER 1945. RATING OF
SEAMAN FIRST CLASS.