World War II Honoree

Lyle Durward Zelis

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Riverdale, Michigan

Honored By

Marylou Zelis & Family

Relationship

Wife & Children

JOINED THE UNITED STATES NAVY ON MARCH 16, 1943 AT THE AGE OF 17 YEARS OLD. HE TRAINED AT GREAT LAKES NAVAL STATION AND GRADUATED FROM THE SIGNAL CORPS SCHOOL THERE. ASSIGNED TO THE USS NEWMAN DESTROYER ESCORT AT NORFOLK, VIRGINIA. HE WAS A SIGNALMAN ON THE USS NEWMAN DURING THE DURATION OF THE WAR, IN BOTH THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC CAMPAIGNS. HE WAS IN 12 INVASIONS IN THE PACIFIC. HIS SHIP WAS INVOLVED WITH LANDING TROOPS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND OTHER ISLANDS AND WAS CONVERTED TO AN AUXILIARY PATROL DESTROYER FOR THE PACIFIC CAMPAIGN. HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON FEBRUARY 17, 1946 FROM GREAT LAKES NAVAL STATION. HIS RANKS WHILE IN THE NAVY WERE SEAMAN 2ND CLASS, SIGNALMAN 3RD CLASS, SIGNALMAN 2ND CLASS AND SIGNALMAN 1ST CLASS.