Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Bakersfield, California
Honored By
Gladys C. Gilliland
Relationship
Daughter
LANDED IN THE SECOND WAVE AT TARAWA, GILBERT ISLANDS, THE FIRST AMERICAN LANDING ON JAPANESE-HELD TERRITORY, A VERY BLOODY BATTLE. HE, AS PART OF THE SEABEES, BUILT THE LANDING FIELD THAT WAS USED IN FUTURE OPERATIONS. HE WAS AN OPERATING ENGINEER AND VOLUNTEERED AT THE AGE OF 39 IN 1942.