World War II Honoree

Darwyn A. Coody

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Bethany, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

SERVED DURING THE WAR PERIOD IN THE AMERICAN AND ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATERS ABOARD THE HEAVY CRUISER USS BREMERTON (CA-130). HIS SHIP LEFT NORFOLK, VIRGINIA FOR A SHAKEDOWN CRUISE IN THE WATERS OFF GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA ON MAY 29, 1945. TOWARD THE END OF THE SHAKEDOWN PERIOD, THE CRUISER SERVED AS FLAGSHIP FOR THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ATLANTIC FLEET, DURING HIS SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR OF INSPECTION. THE VESSEL RETURNED TO THE UNITED STATES AND ENGAGED IN EXPERIMENTAL WORK AT CASCO BAY, MAINE, FROM JULY 22 TO OCTOBER 2, 1945. THE SHIP WAS ENGAGED IN THAT WORK WHEN THE WAR ENDED ON SEPTEMBER 2, 1945. ON NOVEMBER 7, 1945 THE VESSEL SAILED TO GUANTANAMO BAY FOR FURTHER TRAINING, THEN PROCEEDED TO PEARL HARBOR, TERRITORY OF HAWAII, EN ROUTE FOR DUTY WITH THE 7TH FLEET. HIS SHIP ARRIVED AT PEARL HARBOR ON DECEMBER 15, 1945 AND WAS BASED THERE UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR PERIOD. AWARDED THE AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE WWII HONORABLE DISCHARGE LAPEL PIN.