Van Mourik, Peter F.

Description

Peter Frank Van Mourik was born on August 1, 1923, in Orange, New Jersey, to Margaret Regina Carew and Frank Kornelis Van Mourik. In Rye his family lived at 360 Park Avenue.

Peter enlisted January 9, 1941 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served in Pensacola, FL and later Norfolk, VA as an AM2c and his service number was 224 04 38. (SEE MUSTER ROLLS)

Peter F. Van Mourik Promoted

Peter F. Van Mourik son of Frank
Van Mourik of 360 Park Avenue,
Rye, has been advanced to the rating
of aviation metalsmith, second class,
at the Naval Air Training Center,
Pensacola, FL according the
public relations office of that station.
He is now on duty with a ground
crew of one of the flying squadrons
stationed there.

PAGE TWO THE RYE CHRONICLE Friday, February 26, 1943

During World War II, the abbreviation AM2c (often shortened to AM2) stood for Aviation Metalsmith Second Class. It was a petty officer rating, equivalent to a Petty Officer Second Class. Aviation Metalsmiths were responsible for maintaining and repairing the metal structures of aircraft, including fuselages, wings, and flight surfaces. They also worked on hydraulic systems, landing gear, and self-sealing fuel tanks.

Peter was honorably discharged August 21,1946 and joined the Naval reserves the next day. He would continue in metal work for the rest of his life.

He married Shirley E. (Holmes) in Norfolk, Va., on Dec. 31, 1949 and they had two children. The marriage ended in divorce in 1961. He then married Irene Lillian Bosmeny September 11, 1985 in Lee, FL.

Peter Frank Van Mourik died on April 4, 2002, in Cape Coral, Florida, at the age of 78. He was cremated and ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of Sanibel Island, Florida.