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Purdy, Eugene G.
Eugene G. Purdy U.S. Navy WWII
Eugene G. Purdy U.S. Navy WWII
  
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Date of Birth: 4/22/1926
Died On: 6/24/2000 Last Residence: 06610 Bridgeport, Fairfield, Connecticut
Street Address: 46 Bulkley Manor
Service Number: 7114936
Branch of Service: U.S. Navy - USS Wasp CV 18, 30 Nov 1943 - 30 Mar 1944


Veteran Code: USN-216


BIOGRAPHY
 
Eugene G. Purdy


Eugene Gorman Purdy was born on April 22, 1926, in White Plains, New York, to Bertha E Himpel and Irving James Purdy. He had two brothers (Kenneth P.) and two sisters. In Rye his family lived at 46 Bulkley Manor and were members of the Presbyterian Church. Eugene was a graduate of Rye High School and before the war was employed with the Life Savers Corp.

Eugene enlisted August 23, 1943 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served as a Petty Officer 1/c on the USS Wasp CV-18 for three years over seas and his service number was 711 49 36.

The USS Wasp (CV-18) was an Essex-class aircraft carrier. The ship earned eight battle stars during World War II.

The Wasp was commissioned in November 1943. It was deployed to the Pacific Theater and engaged in combat operations. Key engagements and events included: Marianas Campaign and the Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944). U.S. carrier planes destroyed Japanese air power. Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 1944). Wasp aircraft provided air support during the landings. This was the last major naval battle of World War II.

Iwo Jima and Okinawa Campaigns (early 1945). The carrier faced attacks by aircraft and kamikazes. Bomb hit on March 19, 1945. A Japanese bomb exploded in the crew's galley, killing around 102 crewmen. The ship resumed flight operations within 30 minutes. Following the war, the Wasp participated in Operation Magic Carpet. It transported service members back to the U.S.

Eugene was honorably discharged March 26, 1946.

Eugene married Miss Anita Mae Malan February 25, 1946, the ceremony was performed in the Church of Jesus Christ in Ogden, Utah. The marriage would end in divorce in 1949 and he would marry Bernadette Pugliese in 1952 and they would have two children.

Eugene (Gene) Purdy died June 24,2000 in a nursing home in Bridgeport, CT.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife Bernadette of 100 Grandview Avenue, Port Chester, two sons Dennis and Keith, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Links to this Veterans History

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