World War II Honoree

Douglas A. White

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Dallas, Texas

Honored By

Lawrence L. Schuermann

Relationship

Friend of Family

JOINED THE NAVY IN AUGUST 1942. AFTER BASIC TRAINING AT CAMP PERRY, VIRGINIA, ATTENDED NAVAL SEABEE TRAINING AT CAMP ENDICOTT, RHODE ISLAND. TRANSFERRED TO PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA FOR ADDITIONAL SEABEE TRAINING, PORT HUENEME FOR SPECIALTY TRAINING AND ASSIGNMENT TO THE 67TH NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATTALION. THE 67TH ARRIVED TINIAN, MARIANA ISLANDS ON AUGUST 4, 1944 AND COMMENCED AIRFIELD CONSTRUCTION WHILE COMBAT WAS STILL GOING ON. TINIAN WAS THE OPERATIONAL BASE FOR THE NEW B-29 SUPER FORTRESS BOMBER MAKING DAILY RUNS TO MAINLAND JAPAN. DURING THIS TIME, THE 67TH NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATTALION WAS GIVEN THE SPECIAL TASK OF BUILDING THE SUPER-SECRET A-BOMB FACILITIES ON TINIAN ISLAND. THE 67TH REMAINED ON TINIAN UNTIL AUGUST 1945 AND WAR'S END. AWARDS INCLUDE: AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 CAMPAIGN STAR AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON DECEMBER 9, 1945.