World War II Honoree

Jerome Gerold

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Jordan, Minnesota

Honored By

Frank Toth

Relationship

Fellow Veteran

SERVED DURING THE DURATION OF THE WAR. AS A NAVAL ARMED GUARDSMAN ASSIGNED TO THE SS HENRY BACON, HE SERVED WITH GREAT VALOR AND DISTINCTION. WHILE UNDER ATTACK ON FEBRUARY 23, 1945. HE AND HIS COHORTS VALIANTLY DOWNED 5 ATTACKING GERMAN AIRCRAFT AND SEVERAL APPROACHING TORPEDOES, BEFORE HIS SHIP WAS SUNK. THOUGH ONLY 2 NAVAL ARMED GUARDSMEN SURVIVED, HE GAVE UP HIS LIFE BOAT SEAT TO SAVE 19 CIVILIANS. HE WAS LATER RECOGNIZED BY THE KING OF NORWAY FOR HIS SELFLESS LEGACY OF COURAGE AND VALOR.