World War II Honoree

Edwin R. Frederking

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Lucas, Kansas

Honored By

Carol L. Groth

Relationship

Daughter

SERVED ABOARD THE TANKER USS WABASH AS A RADAR AND COMMUNICATIONS MAN. DURING THE PACIFIC OPERATIONS, HE WAS PRESENT AT THE BATTLES OF IWO JIMA, SAIPAN AND OKINAWA. HIS DUTIES INCLUDED COLLECTING DOG TAGS FROM THE AMERICAN CASUALTIES TO PREPARE A LIST OF NAMES FOR NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN. HIS SHIP WAS NEARLY HIT BY A KAMIKAZE PILOT. HE WAS STANDING ON THE DECK AS THE PLANE WENT INTO THE OCEAN AFTER MISSING THE TANKER. HE WAS ALSO ABOARD THE SHIP WHEN THE U.S. FLEET WAS HIT BY A TYPHOON OFF THE COAST OF JAPAN.