Pearl Harbor Purple Heart and Air Medal group - Patrol Squadron 12

[KASTAUFFER]

This is my final contribution to the Pearl Harbor related threads being posted today on the 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

 

This group is from a Chief Aviation Metalsmith who served with Patrol Squadron 12 and on the USS St. George during WWII. While serving with VP-12 he saw some of the most significant battles of the war , Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal. On December 7, 1941 he was WIA and was awarded a Purple Heart two years later in 1943, when the award was made available to members of the US Navy and USMC. Prior to 1943, the Purple Heart was strictly an Army award.

 

In 1942 and 1943 while serving at Guadalcanal with VP-12 he earned the Air Medal for actions on numerous night missions. VP-12 was one of the original " Black Cat" squadrons.

 

After Guadalcanal he transferred to a Seaplane Tender, the USS St. George, and finished the war on board her. On April 29, 1945, she was hit by a Kamikaze, and he was not inujured, however three men were killed.

 

 

After the war he went home to California and passed away in 1993 .

 

 

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

 

[KASTAUFFER]

 

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

So many of these men are passing away that many will not be left for the next big milestone, the 75th Anniversary. Most survivors would be 95 years old by that point. If you meet one of these men , thank them for their service as you may not get many other chances to do so.

[mark leonard]

Wow............ This is a great group!

Mark

[dhcoleterracina]

Another great grouping

[KASTAUFFER]

Wow............ This is a great group!

Mark

 

 

Thanks Mark, I was thinking that you might like this as I was posting it!

 

Kurt

[PaulR]

Very impressive! Thank you for sharing it!

[Ricardo]

Great group! Thank you for sharing!

 

BR, Ricardo.

[emccomas]

So many of these men are passing away that many will not be left for the next big milestone, the 75th Anniversary. Most survivors would be 95 years old by that point. If you meet one of these men , thank them for their service as you may not get many other chances to do so.

 

It was announced on the evening news as they were showing the ceremony of the Pearl Harbor survivors that the national organization of Pearl Harbor survivors is disbanding.

 

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&a...FJjQWDl9yqIZLlQ

[JDK]

So many of these men are passing away that many will not be left for the next big milestone, the 75th Anniversary. Most survivors would be 95 years old by that point. If you meet one of these men , thank them for their service as you may not get many other chances to do so.

 

Great group and well said above. The same can be said for any WW2 vet. They all deserve our great appreciation for their service.

JD

[KASTAUFFER]

Back to the top in commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

[Wharfmaster]

PBY "Black Cats" groups are the best! Very cool! They "took it to um" in the darkness. Risky business.

 

 

W

[KASTAUFFER]

[KASTAUFFER]

 

 

[KASTAUFFER]

 

 

[GIKyle]

Great group Kurt - Thanks as always for showing these treasures.

 

Kyle

[KASTAUFFER]

BTT in remembrance of the Pearl Harbor attack.

[KASTAUFFER]

BTT in remembrance of the Pear Harbor attack.

 

Kurt

[KASTAUFFER]

Back to the top in commemoration of the 74^th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

[KASTAUFFER]

Back up to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.

[KASTAUFFER]

BTT

[KASTAUFFER]

The 77th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack is around the corner. Remember Pearl Harbor.

 

Kurt

[KASTAUFFER]

Back up in remembrance of the 78th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.