Gerald Yourczek
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Gerald Yourczek served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He served in the U.S. Navy from November 1944 until August 1967.
During World War II, he was assigned to Naval Construction Battalion 27 (NCB-27). He served on U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gregory (DD-802) and on the repair ship USS Toledo (CA-133).
Mr. Yourczek participated in the Invasion of Okinawa. During the Korean War, he participated in the blockade of Wonsan Harbor. Mr. Yourczek attended the Navy’s nuclear power school, where he trained to repair nuclear submarines.
His rank was Chief Petty Officer. When he retired, he was Chief Recruiter for the Navy in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Mr. Yourczek received a Presidential Unit Citation for the blockade of Wonson Harbor. He received one battle star for his service in World War II and four battle stars for his service in the Korean War in addition to other service medals.
Gerald Yourczek was born in Little Falls, Minnesota. He received his high school diploma in 1945 on Guam.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall History Form; veteran’s account (see below)
"Enlisted in 1944 - made invasion Okinawa. Served on US Navy destroyers, repair ship - USS Toledo (CA-133). Went to Navy’s nuclear power school for repairs on nuke subs and spent 1 1/2 years training in Wash, DC. Ended career as Chief Recruiter in St. Cloud, Minnesota."
