World War II Honoree

Gerald R. Picker

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Lima, Ohio

Honored By

Jennifer L. Picker

Relationship

Daughter

SERVED ON THE USS ESSEX CV-9, 'THE FIGHTINGEST SHIP IN THE NAVY', 8/43 TO 8/45. DOCKED IN 1946. SERVED IN 68 OPERATIONS OF ASSAULT OR OCCUPATION. WAS A GYRO ELECTRICIAN. RECEIVED THE MERITORIOUS CONDUCT AWARD, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, AMERICAN AREA CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC AREA CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 11 STARS, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH TWO STARS AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. THE USS ESSEX ACCOMPANIED THE MISSOURI INTO THE SEA OF JAPAN BEFORE THE TREATY SIGNING.