Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Old Shawneetown, Illinois
Honored By
Proud American
DRAFTED AT THE END OF JUNIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL. CALLED TO SERVE ON THE USS AARON WARD (DM-34). SERVED TWO YEARS IN THE NAVY. AWARDED PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR SERVICE DURING THE BATTLE OF OKINAWA ON THE AARON WARD AS A PICKET SHIP ON RADAR PICKET STATION. THE SHIP TOOK SIX DIRECT HITS FROM SUICIDE PLANES, MORE THAN ANY OTHER SHIP OF ITS SIZE.