World War II Honoree

Joe Franklin Morris

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Abilene, Kansas

Honored By

Joe Franklin Morris, Jr.

Relationship

Son

JOE F. MORRIS WAS ASSIGNED TO THE USS PATTERSON (DD-392) BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER OF 1940. HIS SERVICE ON THE PATTERSON INCLUDED BEING PRESENT IN PEARL HARBOR DURING THE ATTACK OF DECEMBER 7, 1941. THE CREW WAS NOT ONLY ABLE TO DEFEND THE SHIP AND PROTECT IT FROM SUSTAINING ANY DAMAGE, BUT IT IS ALSO BELIEVED THAT THEY SUCCESSFULLY SHOT DOWN AT LEAST ONE ENEMY PLANE. IN DECEMBER OF 1943, MR. MORRIS WAS STATIONED ON THE USS LOVELACE (DE-198), WHERE HE SERVED THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF WORLD WAR II. DECORATIONS RECEIVED INCLUDE: WWII VICTORY MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN DEFENSE MEDAL, ASIATIC PACIFIC AMERICAN THEATER MEDAL, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL, AND THE PEARL HARBOR COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL. HIS NAVAL SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY CONTINUED THROUGH JUNE OF 1958.