Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Ida Grove, Iowa
Honored By
Ida Grove American Legion
CHIEF PETTY OFFICER. ENLISTED IN THE NAVY AIR SERVICE IN 1926. SERVED HIS COUNTRY FOR NEARLY 17 YEARS. OCTOBER 15, 1942 WHILE ON A SCOUTING MISSION OVER ESPIRITU SANTO ISLAND (SOLOMON ISLANDS) IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, HE WAS SHOT DOWN BY JAPANESE AND HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY. HE WAS THE FIRST CASUALTY OF WWII FROM IDA GROVE, IOWA.