World War II Honoree

George C. Watkins

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

California

Honored By

George Weck

Relationship

Friend

AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE NAVAL ACADEMY IN 1943, HE PLANNED TO BE A SHIPBOARD NAVAL OFFICER. HE SERVED IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATION AS A BATTERY TURRET OFFICER ON THE BATTLE SHIP THE USS PENNSYLVANIA. WHEN THE NAVY ISSUED A CALL FOR AVIATORS, HE VOLUNTEERED. HE RECEIVED HIS PILOT WINGS JUST AFTER THE END OF THE WAR. HE WAS LATER A RECORD-SETTING NAVY TEST PILOT IN THE 1950'S. HE WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED WITH THE RANK OF CAPTAIN.