World War II Honoree

Joseph Lucien Crevier

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Providence, Rhode Island

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1942 to July 1948 and was a Gunner's Mate aboard the USS Rodman (DD-456-DMS-21)from October 1942 until July 1948. While aboard the USS Rodman he saw extensive action in both Europe and the Pacific. He took part in the invasion of French West Africa in November 1942, the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, Normandy on June 6, 1944 and was the lead Destroyer in the invasion of Southern France on August 15, 1944 at St. Tropez, France. In November 1944 he was transferred to the Pacific-Asiatic Fleet. In the Pacific he took part in the invasion of Okinawa in April of 1945. On April 6, 1945 while on mine sweeping duty the Rodman and her sister ship USS Emmons took part in one of the longest Naval vs. aerial battles of the war when they were attacked by 50 kamikaze planes. The battle lasted for 2 1/2 hours. Received the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon with 6 battle stars, US Navy Commendation Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 battle stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 battle stars and the the Legion of Honor from France.