On the road

On the road

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Honor Flight DFW trip #10 profiles


 

Galbert was already in the Navy when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He enlisted in the Navy on July 29, 1941. On that Sunday, he was stationed at the U.S.Naval Training Center in San Diego, California.

Galbert was trained as a radioman. Indeed, on that Sunday in 1941 he was attending a radio communication school.

While in the Navy during World War II this sailor traveled all over the world. His most memorable war experience happened in the Indian Ocean. He was sailing on the tanker “Cedar Mills.” That ship was credited with saving the Free French destroyer escort “ Le Triomphant” in the Indian Ocean during a typhoon.

Galbert also served on five different merchant ships as a naval armed guard. On one merchant ship his job was that of the sight setter on the 3inch/50 caliber bow gun. Other duties include a year and a half at the Amphibious Command unit 47 at Camp Pendleton, Pearl Harbor and Okinawa. He also sailed on the USS Point Cruz (CVE 119.) After the war Galbert sailed on two different rips to Japan ferrying Marines to occupation duty on that island.

He says that the five and half years in the Navy were the most important in his life. Many World War II veterans feel this way. Galbert is not alone.

Galbert receives the China Service; occupation with the Asia clasp,the American, Asiatic-Pacific medal ,and the European, African and Middle Eastern campaign medal. He also was awarded the WWII Victory Medal,Good Conduct and the Gallant Ship Unit Citation bar.

After a very honorable naval career, Galbert was discharged on February 24, 1947.     

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