World War II Honoree

Richard J. Gerszewski

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Minto, North Dakota

Honored By

Christy Petrie

Relationship

Granddaughter

HE WAS AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NAVAL AIR STATION IN MINNEAPOLIS, AND THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF A TRANSPORT SQUADRON FROM MINNEAPOLIS. HE SERVED AS THE FIRST NAVY PILOT TO FLY IN THE BERLIN AIRLIFT. HE HELPED DEVISE THE PROCEDURE FOR THE DROPS AND FLEW 113 ROUND TRIPS DURING HIS 7 MONTH ASSIGNMENT THERE. AT THE END OF THE WAR, HE FLEW FRENCH COMMANDERS AND GENERALS TO MOUNT SURIBACHI.