World War II Honoree

Jesse Barrett Oldendorf

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Riverside, California

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

In August 1942, he was assigned to the Caribbean Sea Frontier and was transferred to the Trinidad sector where anti-submarine warfare was his primary duty. He was assigned to the Pacific Theater in January 1944, where he commanded Cruiser Division 4. Participated in the Battle of the Atlantic, Battle of the Caribbean, Battle of Marshall Islands, Battle of Palau Islands, Battle of the Marianas Islands, Battle of Leyte Gulf, Battle of Lingayen Gulf, and Occupation of Japan. Received Legion of Merit with two gold stars, Purple Heart, Navy Distinguished Service Medal with two gold stars, Army Distinguished Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with "Fleet" clasp, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with ten battle stars, Navy Occupation Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, and Philippine Independence Medal.