World War II Honoree

Wesley Bradford Fritts

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Mankato, Minnesota

Honored By

Judy Fritts

Relationship

Daughter-in-law

SERVED IN THE NAVY FROM JUNE 4, 1944 TO JUNE 14, 1946. WAS ATTACHED TO HEADQUARTERS, 10TH ARMY. DURING THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF APRIL 1, 1945 HE AND A FEW OTHERS, WENT ASHORE ON THE ISLAND OF OKINAWA TO SURVEY THE LAND BEFORE THE ACTUAL INVASION. HE WAS AN 18 YEAR OLD NAVY CARTOGRAPHER. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS MISSION BECAUSE THE AREA WAS MINED AND OCCUPIED BY THE JAPANESE. HIS PRELIMINARY WORK HELPED TO MAKE THE INVASION A SUCCESS WHICH TOOK PLACE APRIL 1, 1945.