World War II Honoree

Richard J. Fitzgerald

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

North Creek, New York

Honored By

M. J. Lynett

ENLISTED IN THE U.S. NAVY ON FEBRUARY 16, 1944, AT THE AGE OF 18. REPORTED FOR DUTY ABOARD THE USS LAWRENCE C. TAYLOR DE-415 DURING MAY OF 1944. THE USS TAYLOR, A CARRIER ESCORT SHIP, OPERATED WITH THE PACIFIC'S FIFTH FLEET AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS, SECURING SEVERAL JAPANESE HELD ISLANDS. WITH COMPLETION OF THOSE EFFORTS, THE SHIP SUPPORTED SPECIAL OPERATIONS OF THE THIRD FLEET'S AIR STRIKES AGAINST THE JAPANESE HOMELAND UNTIL THE WAR'S END. WAS DECORATED WITH MANY MEDALS FOR VALOR INCLUDING NUMEROUS BRONZE STARS.