RAYMOND BECKNER ESCAPES DEATH IN ATTACK ON HAWAII
Last night’s Freeman-Journal carried a picture of the destroyer, U.S.S Shaw, which blew up during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7.
In this connection Mrs. L. E. Kimmell advised the Freeman-Journal that her grandson, Raymond Beckner, who has been in the navy 19 years, had been stationed on this ship for some time.
She thought, of course, that he had been killed in the attack, but she now has received word that he suffered a severe foot injury and is in a government hospital in Mare island. He was born and reared here and has many friends who will be glad to know that he escaped death in the attack.
Source: Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA - Feb. 6, 1942
NOTES:
Raymond Isaac Beckner was born Dec. 24, 1902 to Isaac Newton and Lucinda Kimmel Beckner. He died Aug. 1, 2003 and is buried in the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA.
Raymond was awarded the Purple Heart.
Sailor Beckner was also reported lost in action in the Atlantic during Jan. 1943. He was later reported to be safe by the Navy department.
Sources:
Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, IA
ancestry.com
World War II Memorial Honoree - PEARL HARBOR SURVIVOR, USS SHAW
