World War II Honoree

Harry P. Becky

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Pine Grove, New Jersey

Honored By

Friends of American Heroes

HE JOINED THE MARINE CORPS ON JUNE 4, 1943 AND BOARDED THE USS PHOENIX WHERE HE SERVED AS A SHARPSHOOTER AND ALSO SET CHARGES FOR UNDERWATER DEMOLITION. HIS MISSIONS TOOK HIM ACROSS THE PACIFIC FROM THE BOMBARDMENT OF CAPE GLOUCESTER, NEW BRITAIN TO VARIOUS PARTS OF DUTCH NEW GUINEA. AFTER BEING CAPTURED BY THE JAPANESE, HE SPENT 11 MONTHS AS A PRISONER OF WAR, GETTING ONLY A HANDFUL OF RICE TO EAT EACH DAY AND HAVING TO STAY IN A SQUATTING POSITION DURING THE DAY.