Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
Gary, Indiana
Honored By
Pearl Thomas
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy 62nd Construction Battalion (Seabees) 5th U.S. Marine Division, V Amphibious Corps. He served three years in the South Pacific including the Battle of Iwo Jima. He became a member of the Underwater Demolition Team 15, swimming as one of the 'free divers' to perform a recon of Iwo Jima's beaches. While in his foxhole, he personally witnessed the raising of the American flag on Iwo. Discharged in 1946.