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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Born November 22,1924 Elk River, MN. Enlisted November 26,1942 as a Naval Aviation Cadet. Graduated October 16,1944 with Ensign Commission and Navy Pilot Wings.
Piloted PBY Catalina and PBM Mariner flying Boats assigned to Patrol Bombing Squadron 18 on St. George (AV-16 Ship) Sea Tender for Okinawa Invasion ( Kerama Retto) VPB-18. Our squadron credited with 34 ships sunk, 23 damaged, 12 aircraft destroyed, 9 aircraft damaged, 20 aviators rescued and 24 enemy shore installations bombed. Our ship took one direct hit by Jap Kamikaze suicide plane. Flew ranking officials to Tokyo Bay for signing of peace treaty on USS Missouri battleship.
I later was awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals and Navy Unit Commendation for 20 strike missions. Retired in 1984 with 42 years, 3284 pilot hours and Commander rank.