World War II Honoree

Vernard L. Haggard

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Vincennes, Indiana

Honored By

Jerry L. Haggard

Relationship

Son

SERVED 28 MONTHS ABOARD THE USS PORTLAND AS A COOK. OPERATIONS AND ENGAGEMENTS: GILBERT ISLANDS, MARSHALL ISLANDS, ASIATIC-PACIFIC RAIDS, WESTERN NEW GUINEA OPERATIONS, WESTERN CAROLINE ISLANDS OPERATIONS, LEYTE AND LUZON OPERATIONS, AND OKINAWA SHIMA ASSAULT. HE EARNED 8 BATTLE STARS. ON SEPTEMBER 2, 1945, WITH ALL OFFICERS AND SAILORS ON DECK IN GENERAL MUSTER DRESSED IN NAVY WHITES, HE WATCHED AS THE JAPANESE REPRESENTATIVES SIGNED THE SURRENDER OF ALL JAPANESE HELD ISLANDS UNDER THE COMMAND OF TRUK ATOLL, CAROLINE ISLANDS.