After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
"I still hadn't been commissioned; I was still a chief petty officer aviation pilot," Beaver said. "When I came back from that tour of duty in the Pacific, they recommended us for commission because you couldn't fly in a war zone as an enlisted pilot at that time. So I became an ensign in '46 when I came back to Guam. That's when I came back to the states and I took a discharge. I wanted to get out.
"They discontinued the enlisted pilot program in 1948, and the last one retired in 1981," he explained. "Those that were already in were allowed to continued on to retirement.
"We were kind of a breed of our own, I guess," Beaver said. "They called us 'Silver Eagles,' and three enlisted pilots who were commissioned became admirals. So that's quite a history, which we're proud of."
Criteria To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignm... To be eligible for this medal, the Service member must have: Served between the outbreak of hostilities (June 25, 1950) and the date the armistice was signed (July 27, 1953); Been on permanent assignment or on temporary duty for thirty consecutive days or sixty non-consecutive days, and Performed duty within the territorial limits of Korea, in the waters immediately adjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operation or in support of combat operations. MoreHide
Description From an article titled FLYING THROUGH THE RANKS: Beaver was also in the Korean War and remembers stopping in Kwajalein, a small island in the south Pacific where the United Nations had their headquar... From an article titled FLYING THROUGH THE RANKS: Beaver was also in the Korean War and remembers stopping in Kwajalein, a small island in the south Pacific where the United Nations had their headquarters.
"It was a fueling stop for our planes," said Beaver. "We're all on our way to Korea for the war." MoreHide
Criteria
The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is a military unit award issued by the government of South Korea to both South Korean and foreign military units.
Description From an article titled FLYING THROUGH THE RANKS: Beaver was also in the Korean War and remembers stopping in Kwajalein, a small island in the south Pacific where the United Nations had their headquar... From an article titled FLYING THROUGH THE RANKS: Beaver was also in the Korean War and remembers stopping in Kwajalein, a small island in the south Pacific where the United Nations had their headquarters.
"It was a fueling stop for our planes," said Beaver. "We're all on our way to Korea for the war." MoreHide
Criteria The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United... The United Nations Korean Medal was generally awarded for any period of service while assigned as a member of the Armed Forces dispatched to Korea or adjacent areas for service on behalf of the United Nations. Service in qualifying organizations had to be certified by the United Nations Commander-in-Chief as having directly supported military operations in Korea. In the case of the United States, such certification was issued in General Orders 31 (June 20, 1955); General Orders 33 (July 11, 1955); and General Orders 36 (July 13, 1955). MoreHide
Description From an article titled FLYING THROUGH THE RANKS: Beaver was also in the Korean War and remembers stopping in Kwajalein, a small island in the south Pacific where the United Nations had their headquar... From an article titled FLYING THROUGH THE RANKS: Beaver was also in the Korean War and remembers stopping in Kwajalein, a small island in the south Pacific where the United Nations had their headquarters.
"It was a fueling stop for our planes," said Beaver. "We're all on our way to Korea for the war." MoreHide
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
"I still hadn't been commissioned; I was still a chief petty officer aviation pilot," Beaver said. "When I came back from that tour of duty in the Pacific, they recommended us for commission because you couldn't fly in a war zone as an enlisted pilot at that time. So I became an ensign in '46 when I came back to Guam. That's when I came back to the states and I took a discharge. I wanted to get out.
"They discontinued the enlisted pilot program in 1948, and the last one retired in 1981," he explained. "Those that were already in were allowed to continued on to retirement.
"We were kind of a breed of our own, I guess," Beaver said. "They called us 'Silver Eagles,' and three enlisted pilots who were commissioned became admirals. So that's quite a history, which we're proud of."
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
"I still hadn't been commissioned; I was still a chief petty officer aviation pilot," Beaver said. "When I came back from that tour of duty in the Pacific, they recommended us for commission because you couldn't fly in a war zone as an enlisted pilot at that time. So I became an ensign in '46 when I came back to Guam. That's when I came back to the states and I took a discharge. I wanted to get out.
"They discontinued the enlisted pilot program in 1948, and the last one retired in 1981," he explained. "Those that were already in were allowed to continued on to retirement.
"We were kind of a breed of our own, I guess," Beaver said. "They called us 'Silver Eagles,' and three enlisted pilots who were commissioned became admirals. So that's quite a history, which we're proud of."
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
"I still hadn't been commissioned; I was still a chief petty officer aviation pilot," Beaver said. "When I came back from that tour of duty in the Pacific, they recommended us for commission because you couldn't fly in a war zone as an enlisted pilot at that time. So I became an ensign in '46 when I came back to Guam. That's when I came back to the states and I took a discharge. I wanted to get out.
"They discontinued the enlisted pilot program in 1948, and the last one retired in 1981," he explained. "Those that were already in were allowed to continued on to retirement.
"We were kind of a breed of our own, I guess," Beaver said. "They called us 'Silver Eagles,' and three enlisted pilots who were commissioned became admirals. So that's quite a history, which we're proud of."
As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in th... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in t... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942, under either of the following conditions: Participation in any engagement... The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942, under either of the following conditions: Participation in any engagement against the enemy in Philippine territory, waters, or in the air over the Philippines or Philippine waters; or, Assigned or stationed in Philippine territory or waters for not less than thirty days during the authorizing period. MoreHide
Comments "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in th... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be m... The Philippine Liberation Medal was awarded for service in the liberation of the Philippines from October 17, 1944, to September 2, 1945. In order to qualify, one of the following provisions must be met: Participation in the initial landing operation of Leyte and adjoining islands from October 7-20, 1944; or, Participation in any engagement against the enemy during the Philippine Liberation Campaign; or, Service in the Philippine Islands or in ships in Philippine wates for not less than 30 days during the period of October 17, 1944 to September 2, 1945. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in th... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron – 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
Description The plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest PaciThe plan of the Pacific subseries was determined by the geography, strategy, and the military organization of a theater largely oceanic. Two independent, coordinate commands, one in the Southwest Pacific under General of the Army Douglas MacArthur and the other in the Central, South, and North Pacific (Pacific Ocean Areas) under Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were created early in the war. Except in the South and Southwest Pacific, each conducted its own operations with its own ground, air, and naval forces in widely separated areas. These operations required at first only a relatively small number of troops whose efforts often yielded strategic gains which cannot be measured by the size of the forces involved. Indeed, the nature of the objectivesùsmall islands, coral atolls, and jungle-bound harbors and airstrips, made the employment of large ground forces impossible and highlighted the importance of air and naval operations. Thus, until 1945, the war in the Pacific progressed by a double series of amphibious operations each of which fitted into a strategic pattern developed in Washington.... More
Memories
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpe
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in th... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in t... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in t... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in t... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted.
AOperating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Criteria The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942, under either of the following conditions: Participation in any engagement... The Philippine Defense Medal was awarded for service in the defense of the Philippines from December 8, 1941 to June 15, 1942, under either of the following conditions: Participation in any engagement against the enemy in Philippine territory, waters, or in the air over the Philippines or Philippine waters; or, Assigned or stationed in Philippine territory or waters for not less than thirty days during the authorizing period. MoreHide
Comments "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in th... "As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Kwajalein was fought as part of the Pacific campaign of World War II. It took place from 31 January-3 February 1944, on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Employing the hard-learneThe Battle of Kwajalein was fought as part of the Pacific campaign of World War II. It took place from 31 January-3 February 1944, on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Employing the hard-learned lessons of the battle of Tarawa, the United States launched a successful twin assault on the main islands of Kwajalein in the south and Roi-Namur in the north. The Japanese defenders put up stiff resistance, although outnumbered and under-prepared. The determined defense of Roi-Namur left only 51 survivors of an original garrison of 3,500.
For the US, the battle represented both the next step in its island-hopping march to Japan and a significant moral victory because it was the first time the Americans had penetrated the "outer ring" of the Japanese Pacific sphere. For the Japanese, the battle represented the failure of the beach-line defense. Japanese defenses became prepared in depth, and the battles of Peleliu, Guam, and the Marianas proved far more costly to the US. ... More
Memories
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpe
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
Description The Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, also known as Operation Forager, was an offensive launched by United States forces against Imperial Japanese forces in the Mariana Islands and Palau in the PaciThe Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, also known as Operation Forager, was an offensive launched by United States forces against Imperial Japanese forces in the Mariana Islands and Palau in the Pacific Ocean between June and November, 1944 during the Pacific War. The United States offensive, under the overall command of Chester Nimitz, followed the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign and was intended to neutralize Japanese bases in the central Pacific, support the Allied drive to retake the Philippines, and provide bases for a strategic bombing campaign against Japan.
Beginning the offensive, United States Marine Corps and United States Army forces, with support from the United States Navy, executed landings on Saipan in June, 1944. In response, the Imperial Japanese Navy's combined fleet sortied to attack the U.S. Navy fleet supporting the landings. In the resulting aircraft carrier Battle of the Philippine Sea (the so-called “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot”) on 19–20 June, the Japanese naval forces were decisively defeated with heavy and irreplaceable losses to their carrier-borne and land-based aircraft.
Thereafter, U.S. forces executed landings on Guam and Tinian in July, 1944. After heavy fighting, Saipan was secured in July and Guam and Tinian in August, 1944. The U.S. then constructed airfields on Saipan and Tinian where B-29s were based to conduct strategic bombing missions against the Japanese mainland until the end of World War II, including the nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
In the meantime, in order to secure the flank for U.S. forces preparing to attack Japanese forces in the Philippines, in September, 1944, U.S. Marine and Army forces landed on the islands of Peleliu and Angaur in Palau. After heavy and intense combat on Peleliu, the island was finally secured by U.S. forces in November, 1944.
Following their landings in the Mariana and Palau Islands, Allied forces continued their ultimately successful campaign against Japan by landing in the Philippines in October, 1944 and the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands beginning in January, 1945.... More
Memories
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpe
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
Description The last obstacle in liberating all of New Guinea island was the Vogelkop Peninsula in Dutch New Guinea. The Japanese resistance on the peninsula gathered at Manokwari, and MacArthur did not wish to cThe last obstacle in liberating all of New Guinea island was the Vogelkop Peninsula in Dutch New Guinea. The Japanese resistance on the peninsula gathered at Manokwari, and MacArthur did not wish to contest with this force. Instead, his "hit 'em where they ain't" strategy took the Allied forces to a number of undefended beaches near Cape Opmaria and Sansapor. Like Rabaul, the 25,000 men at Manokwari were now stranded, frustratingly idling uselessly.
In Sep 1944, Allied troops occupied the Halmahera Islands, concluding the New Guinea Campaign. MacArthur was now only several hundred miles from the Philippines. In his memoir, MacArthur attributed to the Allied victory over New Guinea to mobility and the ability to achieve surprise at key confrontations. Additionally, he also insisted that his refusal to deploy military governors over conquered regions helped his command focus on the task at hand. Instead, he brought in Dutch and Australian civil administrators immediately after the area had been deemed secure. "The success of this method was reflected in the complete lack of friction between the various governments concerned", he noted.
Although Allied attention would move toward the Philippine Islands by this time, small pockets of Japanese resistance would continue to fight until late May 1945.... More
Memories
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island,
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished.
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San... When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the
Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished. MoreHide
Description The Battle of Tarawa (US code name Operation Galvanic) was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It took place at the Tarawa Atoll in the GilbeThe Battle of Tarawa (US code name Operation Galvanic) was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It took place at the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, located in what is now the nation of Kiribati. Nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans, and Americans died in the fighting, mostly on and around the small island of Betio.
The Battle of Tarawa was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region. It was also the first time in the war that the United States faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing. Previous landings met little or no initial resistance. but this time the 4,500 Japanese defenders were well-supplied and well-prepared, and they fought almost to the last man, exacting a heavy toll on the United States Marine Corps. The U.S. had suffered similar casualties in other campaigns, for example over the six months of the Guadalcanal Campaign, but in this case the losses were incurred within the space of 76 hours.... More
Memories
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpe
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
Description In the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, from November 1943 through February 1944, were key strategic operations of the United States Pacific Fleet and MarineIn the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, from November 1943 through February 1944, were key strategic operations of the United States Pacific Fleet and Marine Corps in the Central Pacific. The purpose was to establish airfields that would allow land based air support for the upcoming operations across the Central Pacific. The campaign began with a costly three-day battle for the island of Betio at the Tarawa atoll. The campaign was preceded a year earlier by a diversionary raid on Makin Island by U.S. Marines in August, 1942.
About 4,000 kilometers southwest of the Hawaii Islands, the Marshall Islands represented part of the perimeter of the Japanese Pacific empire. The former German colony was given to Japan after the closure of WW1, and had since been an important part of both offensive and defensive plans of the Japanese Navy. By the end of 1943, Admiral Mineichi Koga of the Japanese Combined Fleet knew the Americans were eyeing the islands, but he could not figure out where they would strike. His difficulties were further complicated by the lack of carrier aircraft, as they were taken away from him in an attempt to reinforce land-based squadrons. With his hands tied, all Koga could do was to send his submarines out as forward observers and order the regional commander in Truk Admiral Masashi Kobayashi to reinforce the island garrisons that were most exposed to American attacks. Kobayashi shifted men to the outer islands of Jaluit, Mili, Wotje, and Maloelap. In total, Kobayashi had 28,000 troops available to him in the Marshall Islands. For a garrison that size ground fortifications were sub-par, but that was rather by design at this stage of the war, for that Tokyo had since decided that the Marshall Islands were to serve only as a part of a delay action campaign. The new defensive perimeter was to be established much closer to the home islands.
American intelligence decoded Japanese messages and detected movements for the outer islands, and decided to change the invasion plans. Unbeknownst to the Japanese, the Americans were now bypassing the reinforced outer islands; they were now directly attacking Kwajalein and Eniwetok.... More
Memories
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torp
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
Description In the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, from November 1943 through February 1944, were key strategic operations of the United States Pacific Fleet and MarineIn the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign, from November 1943 through February 1944, were key strategic operations of the United States Pacific Fleet and Marine Corps in the Central Pacific. The purpose was to establish airfields that would allow land based air support for the upcoming operations across the Central Pacific. The campaign began with a costly three-day battle for the island of Betio at the Tarawa atoll. The campaign was preceded a year earlier by a diversionary raid on Makin Island by U.S. Marines.... More
Memories
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpe
"As soon as I got out of flight school, I went to San Diego for assignment with the PT (Patrol Torpedo Boat) 72 patrol squadron 'the Knights of the Sea,'" Beaver noted. Operating out of Funafuti in the Ellice Islands, he flew the "Black Cat" PBY Catalinas, a squadron of black-painted aircraft that operated mainly at night against enemy shipping.
"We did patrols out of there prior to the invasion of the Central Pacific, the Gilberts, Marshalls and Enewetak islands," Beaver explained. "That took about a year, then we went through Tarawa and Kwajalein, and we had planes in the Marianas during the Marianas campaign. That took another year. Then we came back to the states because our airplanes were worn out by then."
He said the invasion of Tarawa atoll is called one of the worst and bloodiest battles the Marines had ever faced. "The reason was the tide was supposed to be in, but by some phenomena of weather, the tide was out," Beaver noted. "So the landing crafts couldn't get close to the beach for the Marines and soldiers to get off. They were about a mile out and tried to get to the beach in waist-deep water. About 4,000 Japanese were on the island and slaughtered the guys in the water."
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
Description The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943 on and aThe Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between 7 August 1942 and 9 February 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II. It was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan.
On 7 August 1942, Allied forces, predominantly American, landed on the islands of Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Florida in the southern Solomon Islands with the objective of denying their use by the Japanese to threaten the supply and communication routes between the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The Allies also intended to use Guadalcanal and Tulagi as bases to support a campaign to eventually capture or neutralize the major Japanese base at Rabaul on New Britain. The Allies overwhelmed the outnumbered Japanese defenders, who had occupied the islands since May 1942, and captured Tulagi and Florida, as well as an airfield (later named Henderson Field) that was under construction on Guadalcanal. Powerful US naval forces supported the landings.
Surprised by the Allied offensive, the Japanese made several attempts between August and November 1942 to retake Henderson Field. Three major land battles, seven large naval battles (five nighttime surface actions and two carrier battles), and continual, almost daily aerial battles culminated in the decisive Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in early November 1942, in which the last Japanese attempt to bombard Henderson Field from the sea and land with enough troops to retake it was defeated. In December 1942, the Japanese abandoned further efforts to retake Guadalcanal and evacuated their remaining forces by 7 February 1943 in the face of an offensive by the US Army's XIV Corps, conceding the island to the Allies.
The Guadalcanal campaign was a significant strategic combined arms victory by Allied forces over the Japanese in the Pacific theatre. The Japanese had reached the high-water mark of their conquests in the Pacific, and Guadalcanal marked the transition by the Allies from defensive operations to the strategic offensive in that theatre and the beginning of offensive operations, including the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Central Pacific campaigns, that resulted in Japan's eventual surrender and the end of World War II.... More
Memories
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island,
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished.
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Criteria The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on... The Good Conduct Medal was initially awarded to enlisted men of the Navy who completed a second (or subsequent) enlistment of three years under Continuous Service; obtained a general average of 4.5 on their Conduct Records, and who were recommended by their commanding officer. In time it came to be awarded for the honorable completion of a fixed term of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San... When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the
Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San... When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San... When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the
Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished. MoreHide
Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San... When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the
Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished. MoreHide
Description The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought during 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and naval and air forces from the United StaThe Battle of the Coral Sea, fought during 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. The battle was the first action in which aircraft carriers engaged each other, as well as the first in which neither side's ships sighted or fired directly upon the other.
In an attempt to strengthen their defensive positioning for their empire in the South Pacific, Japanese forces decided to invade and occupy Port Moresby in New Guinea and Tulagi in the southeastern Solomon Islands. The plan to accomplish this, called Operation MO, involved several major units of Japan's Combined Fleet, including two fleet carriers and a light carrier to provide air cover for the invasion fleets, under the overall command of Japanese Admiral Shigeyoshi Inoue. The US learned of the Japanese plan through signals intelligence and sent two United States Navy carrier task forces and a joint Australian-American cruiser force, under the overall command of American Admiral Frank J. Fletcher, to oppose the Japanese offensive.
On 3–4 May, Japanese forces successfully invaded and occupied Tulagi, although several of their supporting warships were surprised and sunk or damaged by aircraft from the US fleet carrier Yorktown. Now aware of the presence of US carriers in the area, the Japanese fleet carriers entered the Coral Sea with the intention of finding and destroying the Allied naval forces.
Beginning on 7 May, the carrier forces from the two sides exchanged airstrikes over two consecutive days. The first day, the US sank the Japanese light carrier Shoho, while the Japanese sank a US destroyer and heavily damaged a fleet oiler (which was later scuttled). The next day, the Japanese fleet carrier Shokaku was heavily damaged, the US fleet carrier Lexington was critically damaged (and was scuttled as a result), and the Yorktown was damaged. With both sides having suffered heavy losses in aircraft and carriers damaged or sunk, the two fleets disengaged and retired from the battle area. Because of the loss of carrier air cover, Inoue recalled the Port Moresby invasion fleet, intending to try again later.
Although a tactical victory for the Japanese in terms of ships sunk, the battle would prove to be a strategic victory for the Allies for several reasons. The battle marked the first time since the start of the war that a major Japanese advance had been checked by the Allies. More importantly, the Japanese fleet carriers Sokaku and Zuikaku – one damaged and the other with a depleted aircraft complement – were unable to participate in the Battle of Midway, which took place the following month, ensuring a rough parity in aircraft between the two adversaries and contributing significantly to the US victory in that battle. The severe losses in carriers at Midway prevented the Japanese from reattempting to invade Port Moresby from the ocean. Two months later, the Allies took advantage of Japan's resulting strategic vulnerability in the South Pacific and launched the Guadalcanal Campaign that, along with the New Guinea Campaign, eventually broke Japanese defenses in the South Pacific and was a significant contributing factor to Japan's ultimate defeat in World War II.... More
Memories
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island,
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished.
Description The Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo was a land battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, between the forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied (mainly United States (U.S.) Marine) grThe Battle of Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo was a land battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, between the forces of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied (mainly United States (U.S.) Marine) ground forces. It took place from 7–9 August 1942 on the Solomon Islands, during the initial Allied landings in the Guadalcanal campaign.
In the battle, U.S. Marines, under the overall command of U.S. Major General Alexander Vandegrift, successfully landed and captured the islands of Tulagi, Gavutu, and Tanambogo among which the Japanese Navy had constructed a naval and seaplane base. The landings were fiercely resisted by the Japanese Navy troops who, outnumbered and outgunned by the Allied forces, fought and died almost to the last man.
At the same time that the landings on Tulagi and Gavutu–Tanambogo were taking place, Allied troops were also landing on nearby Guadalcanal, with the objective of capturing an airfield under construction by Japanese forces. In contrast to the intense fighting on Tulagi and Gavutu, the landings on Guadalcanal were essentially unopposed. The landings on both Tulagi and Guadalcanal initiated the six-month long Guadalcanal campaign and a series of combined-arms battles between Allied and Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area.... More
Memories
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island,
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Description When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San... When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Beaver was at the Navy yard on Mare Island, Vallejo, Calif., near San Francisco.
"We got underway immediately and made two convoy trips from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor," Beaver noted. "We convoyed the first expeditionary troops to the Pacific out of San Francisco."
Beaver was aboard when the Perkins was engaged in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Sydney Harbor (Australia). The Perkins was involved in pivotal battles around Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and earned four battle stars during World War II. The only damage the Perkins received while Beaver was a crewman were hits by shrapnel.
Beaver said he was lucky because he'd gotten off the destroyer when a damaged propeller screw caused the ship to return to Pearl Harbor from the South Pacific in August 1942. While repairs were being made, Beaver used his liberty time to take civilian flying lessons. His application for Navy flight school was approved before the Perkins headed back to war.
"They wanted to make me a (chief petty officer) before I left the ship for flight school, but I refused it because I wanted to fly more," he said.
"I'd finished flight school earned my wings when she (Perkins) was sunk in November 1943," Beaver noted. "I was flying combat patrols then what I'd always wanted to do."
Ironically, the Perkins wasn't sunk by enemy fire; it went down after being accidentally rammed by the Australian transport HMAS Duntroon. The Duntroon's crew rescued most of the Perkins crew. Some reports say one Perkins crewman died, others reports say four perished. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Description The Navy beckoned, and Beaver took the oath of enlistment Sept. 11, 1938. "There (were) no jobs, so the Navy seemed like a good place to go," said Beaver.
He became a machinist's mate, but he really wa... The Navy beckoned, and Beaver took the oath of enlistment Sept. 11, 1938. "There (were) no jobs, so the Navy seemed like a good place to go," said Beaver.
He became a machinist's mate, but he really wanted to fly combat aircraft as a Navy pilot. Graduating from boot camp in San Diego in December 1938, Beaver went aboard the destroyer USS Perkins 377 and worked his way from the deck force to the engine room, which he liked. MoreHide
The Navy beckoned, and Beaver took the oath of enlistment Sept. 11, 1938. "There (were) no jobs, so the Navy seemed like a good place to go," said Beaver.
He became a machinist's mate, but he really wanted to fly combat aircraft as a Navy pilot. Graduating from boot camp in San Diego in December 1938, Beaver went aboard the destroyer USS Perkins 377 and worked his way from the deck force to the engine room, which he liked.
"I made seaman first class in three years - before World War II - which was a pretty good deal," Beaver said proudly.
The Perkins sailed to Hawaii to join the Hawaiian Detachment in September 1939, the month the Nazis invaded Poland; Great Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand and Canada declared war on Germany; the British Royal Air Force attacked the German Navy; and the United States proclaimed neutrality.
Beaver said, at first, there was just a squadron of destroyers and cruisers there, then on May 7, 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the Pacific Fleet to Pearl Harbor.
After the war was over in 1945, he went to the Philippine island of Samar, the site of the Battle Off Samar, for a short time. From there he went to Guam, then back to the United States.
"I still hadn't been commissioned; I was still a chief petty officer aviation pilot," Beaver said. "When I came back from that tour of duty in the Pacific, they recommended us for commission because you couldn't fly in a war zone as an enlisted pilot at that time. So I became an ensign in '46 when I came back to Guam. That's when I came back to the states and I took a discharge. I wanted to get out.
"They discontinued the enlisted pilot program in 1948, and the last one retired in 1981," he explained. "Those that were already in were allowed to continued on to retirement.
"We were kind of a breed of our own, I guess," Beaver said. "They called us 'Silver Eagles,' and three enlisted pilots who were commissioned became admirals. So that's quite a history, which we're proud of."