Mission 107-B
Turning 100: William F. O’Connell
About: William F. O’Connell, was born on May 23rd, 1924, and is soon to celebrate his 100th birthday. He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old, a decision that filled him with immense pride. As a child, on every December 7th, at breakfast, Dad would ask me what today was, I knew to respond, “December 7th,” because in 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, a date which will live in Infamy! FDR made quite an impression on that generation. To this day, Dad always has an American Flag hanging from his front porch.
Dad was a Seaman First Class and was the gun captain of the center gun turret two on the U.S.S.Baltimore (CA-68), the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers. His service took him to Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He was on the Baltimore when President Roosevelt met with General MacArthur and General Nimitz aboard the ship. He was also part of the crew who escorted President Roosevelt to Juneau, Alaska. As a “plank owner,” Dad was one of the original crew members of the Baltimore, built in the Quincy, MA shipyard. He trained in Newport, RI, and earned the title of “shellback,” for crossing the equator with his ship. Dad was Honorably Discharged in January of 1946. His service was recognized with several medals including the World War II Victory Medal; the American Theatre Medal; the Asiatic-Pacific Medal - 9 stars; the Philippine Liberation Medal - 1 star; and a Good Conduct Medal.
Dad remains a proud veteran of World War II, and a true American patriot. His service to his country is a testament to his character and a legacy that continues to inspire us all. He returned home to Dorchester, Massachusetts, where he met his late wife Mary Joyce. He went on to have 4 daughters, 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. God Bless America!
Birthday: May 23
Send in time to arrive on or before: May 20
Mailing Address:
William F. O’Connell
C/O Peecha
25 Sushala Way
Plymouth,MA 02360
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