rd12 Posted November 29 #1 Posted November 29 A recent find that has been a fun research project. Master Chief Petty Officer Gunner’s Mate Wayne Kenneth Thornbrugh (1922-2009) SN: 3601910 He saw extensive combat aboard the USS San Francisco in WW2 (17 Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation). He was present at Pearl Harbor and served aboard the San Francisco until her return to Pearl Harbor in 1943 for extensive repairs after the Battle of Guadalcanal. He would again see combat in Korea aboard the USS Frank Knox participating I believe in all three of her Korean War cruises. He fell in love with Montana and became an avid hunter and fisherman, settling down in Montana after his service. He passed in 2009 in the Eastern Montana Veteran's Home. I still have a few holes to try and fill but here is the bulk of his service; 1940 Enlisted US Navy Naval Training Station, San Diego USS Hull (DD-350) USS San Francisco (CA-38) 1941 Promoted to Sea1c USS San Francisco (CA-38) 1942 USS San Francisco (CA-38) 1943 Promoted to GM2c USS San Francisco (CA-38) 1944 Promoted to GM1c USS Valve (ARS-28) 1945 Pacific Flight School, Admin duty 1946 Galveston, TX and San Diego, CA (training?) Promoted to CGM(AA) USS LSM(R)-407 1947 Helena, MT Recruiting Station Butte, MT Recruiting Station Promoted to CPO 1949 Butte, MT Recruiting Station 1950-54 USS Frank Knox (DD-742) 1955 Butte, MT Recruiting Station Enlisted for additional 6 years 1956 Butte, MT Recruiting Station No more records found after 1956
rd12 Posted November 29 Author #3 Posted November 29 His jacket was in rough shape, something had even smashed most of the buttons, but the insignia survived intact so has been removed.
rd12 Posted November 29 Author #4 Posted November 29 Thank you to users 29navy and KurtA for your assistance!
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