World War II Honoree

Grant L. Yergey

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Boyertown, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Sylvia Yergey and Family

Relationship

Wife and Family

He was drafted in February of 1946. After basic training in Alabama, he was deployed to Japan and assigned the job of a heavy-duty truck driver for the 82nd Chemical Mortar Battalion. His duties included transporting troops, supplies and rations from the Quartermaster to the 82nd Battalion. Upon landing, he lived outside of Yokohama in tents in the field. Eventually, the Battalion was relocated and permanently stationed in Kamata which is outside of Tokyo near Shinagawa. Most of the buildings between Tokyo and Yokohama were destroyed by Napalm, but his barracks were one of the few buildings left standing due to its sole construction of concrete and steel. The first 6 months were spent cleaning up supplies dumped on the beach at Yokohama in preparation of a potential invasion of Japan. An experience he will never forget was being placed in charge of a Japanese prisoner train, for 5 ½ days with only one additional comrade and limited means to defend themselves. Their assignment was to deliver supplies to the 24th Quartermaster in Kokura. At no time were they allowed to have contact with their battalion nor could the prisoners be left unattended so they alternated guard duty in 12-hour shifts to ensure the train would arrive at its destination and return safely, which it did. In June of 1948 at the age of 20, he received his final discharge, then placed in the active reserve for an additional 7 years. It is with pride and honor that he was able to serve his country in WWII. May we all recognize the importance of preserving our freedom and paying respect to those who served in the past as well as in the future.