World War II Honoree

Hilary A. Driggs

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

WORKED AT THE MARE ISLAND SHIPYARD AT VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA DURING THE WAR, BEFORE ENLISTING IN MILITARY SERVICE IN 1944. SERVED OVERSEAS IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER ABOARD THE REPAIR SHIP USS XANTHUS (AR-19). HIS SHIP SAILED TO THE NORTH PACIFIC TO ADAK ISLAND, OFF ALASKA, IN THE ALEUTIAN ISLAND CHAIN IN THE BERING SEA. THERE, PREPARED FOR THE PLANNED INVASION OF JAPAN. THE SHIP'S MISSION CHANGED WITH THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT'S UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER ON AUGUST 14, 1945, AND HIS SHIP WAS TASKED TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPATION OF JAPAN. AWARDED THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, AND NAVY OCCUPATION SERVICE MEDAL WITH ‘ASIA’ CLASP. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE WWII HONORABLE DISCHARGE LAPEL PIN. CONTINUED IN U.S. NAVAL RESERVE SERVICE AFTER THE WAR UNTIL AGAIN HONORABLY DISCHARGED.