World War II Honoree

Albert P. Mitchell

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Newburgh, New York

Honored By

A Thankful American

HE SERVED AS GUNNER'S MATE ABOARD THE CRUISER USS COLUMBIA CL-56, AND DESTROYER ESCORT JOHN C. BUTLER DE-339, PARTICIPATED IN MANY SOUTH PACIFIC CAMPAIGNS OF WWII, WHERE HE EARNED BOTH U.S. AND PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATIONS, NINE (9) ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN (BATTLE) MEDALS, THREE (3) PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDALS, THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL. HE SURVIVED THREE KAMIKAZE ATTACKS UPON THE COLUMBIA, INCLUDING DIRECT HITS EXPLODING THE MUNITIONS MAGAZINES DIRECTLY BELOW HIS TURRET.