Everett R. Gardner
Everett R. Gardner, Machinist Mate 1/c, bom Aug. 28, 1918, and
joined the USN March 18, 1941. Shipped to Norfolk, VA NOB for basic
training; completed Machinist School and was transferred to the USS
Yorktown (CV-5). They were in Norfolk Navy Yard when Pearl Harbor was
hit.
Sent to the South Pacific for duty and fought battles of Marshal and
Gilbert Islands, Salama, Lae, Tulagi, Coral Sea, Midway, Leyte Gulf and
Surigao Strait. Received heavy damage at Coral Sea and returned to
Pearl for "Miracle of 72 Hours" repair. As a Midway survivor, he was
assigned to the Wee Vee and stayed with her through the Surigao Strait
Battle.
Transferred to Steam Reciprocating Engine School, then put the USS
Gratia in commission. He was medically discharged from the Oakland
Naval Hospital Aug. 16, 1946.
As a civilian, he was a prototype machinist with an engineering company
and foreman, retired in August 1982. Married and has one daughter. He
is now living the good life in Ormond Beach, FL.
Reprinted with permission from Turner Publishing