Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Honored By
A Grateful American
ENLISTED IN THE NAVY AT THE AGE OF 17 AND WAS A 50-CALIBER MACHINE GUNNER ON MERCHANT MARINE SUPPLY SHIPS IN NORTH AFRICA AND ITALY. OFF THE ANZIO BEACHHEAD DURING THE INVASION OF ITALY, A GERMAN DIVE BOMBER HIT HIS SHIP, WHICH WAS CARRYING 55-GALLON DRUMS OF GASOLINE. HE ESCAPED INJURY, BUT HE HAD TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN A FOX HOLE ON THE BEACH, PINNED DOWN BY ENEMY FIRE.