HARRY BEEMAN (BORN 1922)

Harry Beeman was 19 years old when he signed up as an Apprentice Seaman in the US Navy the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Prior to that date Harry’s father had refused to allow his son to enlist, despite his fervent desire to do so. Harry served four years on the USS Ellet, a small destroyer that survived ten major battles during the Pacific War, including the Battle of Midway in which the Ellet was one of the lead ships. During the course of the war Harry was promoted to 3rd Gunner, 2n Gunner’s Mate then Gunner’s Mate First Class. After retiring from his career as a firefighter in Indianapolis, Harry retired to Cape Coral, Florida where he continues to live with his wife.