World War II Honoree

Joe Ray Duran

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Honored By

Theresa Sanchez & Elaine Duran

Relationship

Daughter & Friend

He served his country in the U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces Group of Eight. At the age of 17 during WWII, crossing the Equator, he became a Shellback and experienced several battles. The battles included Marshall Islands, Philippine Islands, Saipan and Tinian of the Mariana Islands, Guam, Solomon Islands, and the final battle being Iwo Jima. As the Navy entered in fighting against heavy gun fire, they zeroed in and bravely led the way for the invasion two days later by the Marines and the raising of the flag. He received a facsimile and ribbon bar with the Bronze Star and was Honorably discharged in 1945.