World War II Honoree

Francis 'Ed' Bearfield

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Newton, Massachusetts

Honored By

Michael O'Neil

Relationship

Friend

PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS. AVIATION/MOTOR MACHINIST'S MATE, NAVAL PARACHUTIST AND GUNNER. ENTERED NAVAL SERVICE BEFORE THE START OF THE WAR. SERVED IN NAVAL AVIATION PRIOR TO VOLUNTEERING FOR MOTOR TORPEDO BOAT DUTY. PLANK OWNER OF USS PT-68, MOTOR TORPEDO BOAT SQUADRON 8. FOUGHT IN NUMEROUS ENGAGEMENTS IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATERS IN PT-68 UNTIL ITS SINKING OFF NEW GUINEA IN 1943. SUBSEQUENTLY SERVED IN OTHER PT BOATS IN RON 8, INSTRUCTED AT THE MOTOR TORPEDO BOAT SQUADRONS TRAINING CENTER IN MELVILLE, RHODE ISLAND AND WITH THE COMMISSIONING CREW IN THE FLEET MINESWEEPER USS DISDAIN (AM-222) THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE WAR. RECIPIENT OF THE SILVER STAR FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION, PARACHUTIST BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT, AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN AND WWII VICTORY MEDALS. CONTINUED IN NAVAL SERVICE POST-WAR.