World War II Honoree

Wendell Haire

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Garner, North Carolina

Honored By

Terry W. & Chris E. Haire

Relationship

Sons

VOLUNTEERED FOR SERVICE, MAY 1943 AND SWORN IN AT RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA IN JUNE 1943. ON JUNE 6, 1944, HE WAS ONE OF 28 MEN ASSIGNED TO THE USS LCI (L) 232 DURING THE D-DAY INVASION. THE SHIP, NICKNAMED, 'THE BAD PENNY', DROPPED OFF SOLDIERS ON THE BEACH. AS IT HEADED BACK TO SEA THE SHIP WAS STRUCK BY A SHELL AND SANK. He was ONE OF THE 13 SURVIVORS AND WAS AWARDED A PURPLE HEART FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE. IN ADDITION HE HAS WORN WITH GREAT DIGNITY A FULL-LENGTH BRACE ON HIS LEFT LEG FOR THE REMAINDER OF HIS LIFE.