World War II Honoree

Edward Lawrence 'Eddie' Albert

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Rock Island, Illinois

Honored By

Joe Arsena

Relationship

Movie Fan

HE WAS A JUNIOR OFFICER IN THE U.S. NAVY. HE DROVE AMTRACKS IN SEVERAL PACIFIC INVASIONS. SERVED IN THE LANDINGS AT SAIPAN IN 1943, WHERE HE RESCUED WOUNDED AND STRANDED MARINES FROM THE BEACHHEAD. HE DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF DURING 1943 IN THE FIGHTING ON TARAWA. HE WAS WOUNDED AND LOST MOST OF HIS HEARING. ASSIGNED AS THE SALVAGE OFFICER IN THE SHORE PARTY OF THE SECOND LANDING WAVE (WHICH ENGAGED IN HEAVY FIGHTING WITH THE JAPANESE), HIS JOB WAS TO EXAMINE MILITARY EQUIPMENT ABANDONED ON THE BATTLEFIELD TO SEE IF IT SHOULD BE RETRIEVED; BUT WHAT HE FOUND WERE WOUNDED MEN WHO HAD BEEN LEFT BEHIND UNDER HEAVY FIRE. HE TOOK THEM OFF THE BEACH IN A SMALL LAUNCH NOT DESIGNED FOR THAT TASK, EARNING COMMENDATIONS FOR HIS BRAVERY AND THE BRONZE STAR. HE WAS SENT HOME TO SUPPORT A WAR BOND DRIVE (THOUGH HE NEVER TRADED ON HIS WAR EXPERIENCES AND DIDN'T DISCUSS THEM IN DETAIL ON-CAMERA UNTIL LATER YEARS).