World War II Honoree

Rex Eugene Esch

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Portland, Oregon

Honored By

Bend Heroes Foundation

GUNNER’S MATE 2ND CLASS, ENLISTED IN THE NAVY (U.S. COAST GUARD) ON 17 FEBRUARY 1942 IN PORTLAND, OREGON. HE SERVED IN THE PACIFIC ABOARD THE FRIGATE USS SAN PEDRO PF-37, PARTICIPATING IN CAMPAIGNS IN THE BISMARCK-ARCHIPELAGO, ADMIRALTY ISLANDS, AND NEW GUINEA, MAINTAINING SHIP ARMAMENT AND IN CHARGE OF THE SHIP’S ARMORY DURING GENERAL QUARTERS. HE RECEIVED THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL, COMBAT ACTION MEDAL, COAST GUARD GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL (WITH 5 BATTLE STARS), AND PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL (1 BATTLE STAR).