World War II Honoree

Joe W. Beach

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Murphysboro, Illinois

Honored By

Joseph Beach Peters

Relationship

Son

JOE BEACH ENTERED THE U.S. NAVAL RESERVE MARCH 14, 1941. HE WAS DESIGNATED NAVAL AVIATOR JANUARY 15, 1942; PILOT/VP-84. FLEW ANTI-SUBMARINE PATROL IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC FROM 1942 TO 1943. LIEUTENANT JOE BEACH WAS INVOLVED IN FOUR AIR ATTACKS, TWO OF WHICH RESULTED IN THE SINKING OF SUBS. THE TWO THAT SANK WERE THE U-640 AND U-200. HE WAS RECOMMENDED FOR THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS; AWARDED A PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION. DIED ON NOVEMBER 28, 1943 DUE TO PLANE CRASH OF PBY-5A AT BEAUFORT NAVAL AIR STATION, SOUTH CAROLINA. HE WAS AWARDED THE AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL AND AIR MEDAL.