World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Gunnar Ingvard Bersos
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
West Seattle, Washington
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
As an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class member of the USS Competent (AM-316) he crossed the equator 4 times, the 180th meridian 14 times, survived the Okinawa typhoon, swept 156 enemy mines, and took part in many of the major battles of the war in the South Pacific. From Pearl Harbor to the Marshall Islands and Asia, he served on submarine outlook, minesweeping patrol, and once rescued a downed pilot. He earned six ribbons as well as a Commendation, a Citation, 5 Battle Stars, and a Silver Star.