Wednesday evening, December 8th, VFW members of Post 3278 of Brownwood remembered the 69th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese during World War II and awarded the Commemorative Victory over Japan Medal to Pacific War Veteran George O’Dell Duncan.
Historical background of the attack was read and a prayer and moment of silence was offered for the fallen.
When asked what he felt was the most significant memory he had of the war, without hesitation, Duncan stated “When we dropped that A-bomb on the Japanese.” It was at that time, he explained, that he felt there was finally an end to the war in sight.
Duncan was only 14 when he joined the US Navy. Mr. Duncan served on the USS Henry Tucker, a Destroyer, during the war against the Japanese.
Duncan stated that he was younger than the usual sailor due to lying about his age. He smiled when he told of his first inspection. The officer rubbed his jaw and told him he needed to shave, something he had never done before, but learned quickly.
Service of 2 years and 7 months entailed many battles including Okinawa, battles in the Philippines and encountering many Japanese suicide planes directed at the Tucker. Duncan had many memories to share but stated that there are some he never wants to remember.
Pictured above is Duncan receiving the VOJ Medal presented by Todd Powell retired Corporal, US Marines and Junior Vice Commander. Below is a close up of the Commemorative Victory Over Japan Medal.
