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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