World War II Honoree

Le Roy Baird

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Orrick, Missouri

Honored By

Diann

Relationship

Daughter

ASSIGNED FOR DUTY IN THE DECK FORCE ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER, USS HORNET. WAS ABOARD THE SHIP WHEN IT WAS SUNK ON 26 OCTOBER 1942. WAS UNABLE TO GET ON THE NEAREST LIFE RAFT AS IT WAS OVERLOADED SO HAD TO SWIM ABOUT 4 HOURS BEFORE BEING RESCUED. NEXT ASSIGNMENT WAS ABOARD THE ATTACK TRANSPORT, USS CRESCENT CITY WHERE HE PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF BOUGAINVILLE AND PELELIU. LATER ASSIGNED TO THE DESTROYER USS DENT.