World War II Honoree

Oliver West

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Honored By

Cdr Don West, USN (Ret)

Relationship

Nephew

ADVANCED PARTY ONTO JAPANESE-HELD PACIFIC ISLANDS WITH HEAVY CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT TO BUILD ROADS, BRIDGES, AND BUILDINGS EVEN WHEN PART OF THE ISLAND WAS STILL HELD BY THE ENEMY. ONCE OPERATING A CATERPILLAR, CAME UNDER FIRE FROM A SNIPER AND USED THE BLADE AS A SHIELD. CONTRACTED A STOMACH AILMENT IN THE PACIFIC THAT REMAINED WITH HIM UNTIL HIS DEATH.