World War II Honoree

Harold T. Berven

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Seattle, Washington

Honored By

Gary Berven

Relationship

Son

WENT INTO THE SERVICE IN HIS LATE TEENS AND TRAINED AT FARRAGUT, IDAHO. WENT ABOARD THE USS GAMBIER BAY, AN AIRCRAFT CARRIER THAT WAS BUILT IN THE VANCOUVER SHIPYARDS. HIS SHIP WAS IN THE BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF, AND WAS SUNK DURING THIS BATTLE. HE DRIFTED IN THE WATER SEVERAL DAYS WITH OTHER SURVIVORS AND WAS EVENTUALLY PICKED UP. HE WAS WOUNDED DURING THIS BATTLE AND RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART.