World War II Honoree

Dale O'Dell

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Halstead, Kansas

Honored By

Robert J. Fitzthum

Relationship

Friend

HE WAS A MOTOR MACHINIST'S MATE ABOARD THE USS FINCH, DE-328, A DESTROYER ESCORT. THE FINCH WAS COMMISSIONED ON 13 DECEMBER 1943 AND SERVED IN THE ATLANTIC AS AN ESCORT TO ALLIED CONVOYS SUPPORTING THE WAR IN EUROPE. THEY ESCORTED CONVOYS TO SUCH PORTS AS CASABLANCA, NAPLES, LIVERPOOL AND SOUTHAMPTON. WHEN THE WAR IN EUROPE ENDED, THE FINCH'S ARMAMENT WAS REFITTED AND SHE WAS SENT TO THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS.