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World War II Honoree

World War II Veteran

Donald Bradford Beary

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Helena, Montana

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

Rear Admiral. In July 1942, he became Commandant of Naval Operations Iceland. On February 10, 1943, he took command of the United States Atlantic Fleet's Fleet Operational Training Command, which organized and trained ship's crews. As its commanding officer, he oversaw the creation and operation of Navy training establishments along the United States East Coast. He directed the training of more than a million officers and men and supervised the shakedown or refresher training of about 5,000 ships and craft. He received the Distinguished Service Medal for his service. On October 1, 1944, he took command of Service Squadron 6. His job was to provide logistical support of the Pacific Fleet and the complex and demanding task of keeping the fleets combat forces supplied for the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He served as a dignitary on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur on board the USS Missouri, during the Japanese surrender ceremony on September 2, 1945. Received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Bronze Star Medal, American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal (with Atlantic Device) and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.