World War II Honoree

Paul W. Hecht

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Norlina, North Carolina

Honored By

Pam Clements

Relationship

Daughter

Enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November of 1941. He held the ranks of Apprentice Seaman, Seaman Second Class, Fireman Third Class, and Fireman Second Class. His work in his hometown movie theater afforded him the opportunity to move to the electrical gang. There he held the rank of Electrician’s Mate – Third Class, Second Class, and First Class. While serving on the USS Washington, he crossed the Arctic Circle, an action that earned him recognition as a Bluenose. He also served on the USS Memphis and the USS Eaton, and was a plank owner as one of the original members of the USS Ozbourn crew. He served in the Pacific theater during WWII and earned many medals and commendations including the American Defense Service Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, European-African-MIDDLE EASTERN Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Russian ORDER OF THE PATRIOTIC WAR Medal, NAVY Occupation Service Medal (JAPAN), and China Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge in November, 1947.