World War II Honoree

Earl J. Beck, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Seattle, Washington

Honored By

Friend

SERVED ABOARD THE USS CALIFORNIA THE SAME DAY THAT HITLER INVADED POLAND. WAS AT BATTLE STATION DURING THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR. THE USS CALIFORNIA TOOK 3 TORPEDOES ON THE PORT SIDE AND SANK INTO THE MUD WITHOUT CAPSIZING. THE ONLY BOMB WENT THROUGH TWO DECKS AND EXPLODED ON THE SECOND, THE ARMORED DECK. ABOUT HALF THE 105 PEOPLE LOST THAT DAY WERE FROM THE BLAST IN THAT LOCATION. MOST OF THE IMPORTANT SHIPS, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA WERE RAISED, REFITTED AND MODERNIZED BY THE TIME THEY WERE NEEDED TO BOMBARD THE SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS. WAS ASSIGNED TO THE NAVY'S V-12 PROGRAM FROM JUNE 1943 UNTIL DISCHARGE IN OCTOBER 1945.