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Veteran's Day

MELVIN ODEKIRK

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navy
Branch: Navy
Theatre: World War II
Details:

Melvin Odekirk entered the Navy in 1937 and trained as an engine specialist for naval vessels. Assigned to the crew of the USS Carina, Odekirk saw his first combat off Guadalcanal in 1942. He was later transferred to the Atlantic Fleet aboard the destroyer escort USS Maloy. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Maloy was assigned as headquarters ship at Omaha Beach. Odekirk’s ship bombarded the beaches in support of American soldiers fighting their way ashore and at one point shot down an attacking German twin-engine bomber. During the following weeks, Odekirk and his fellow crewman patrolled the French coast, engaged German submarines and torpedo boats, and captured an enemy-held Channel island.

Honor A Veteran

Selections are only based on the nominee's military service
Nominees do not have to be alumni or associated with the university in any way. Each year, the committee selects eleven honorees based on noteworthy honor, courage, commitment, and sacrifice during their military service to our nation, but decorations for valor are not required. Selections are only based on the nominee's military service.
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