World War II Honoree

Rodger P. Hargraves, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Coast Guard

Hometown

Beaumont, Texas

Honored By

Son

SERVED ABOARD THE U.S. COAST GUARD CUTTER ALEXANDER HAMILTON, THE FIRST AMERICAN WARSHIP SUNK BY GERMANY AFTER WAR WAS DECLARED. THIS WAS ON JANUARY 30, 1942. HE WAS REPORTED AS KILLED IN ACTION IN THE CONFUSION. LATER HE SERVED AS A DEEP SEA DIVER IN THE GREAT LAKES, TESTING NEW SUBMARINES. HE THEN WENT OVERSEAS AND SERVED IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC CAMPAIGNS, REMOVING BEACH OBSTACLES PRIOR TO THE INVASIONS AND DESTROYING SUNKEN ENEMY VESSELS TO CLEAR HARBORS. HE ACHIEVED THE STATUS OF MASTER DIVER.