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Topic: Headline News
74 years later, Jesse Reynolds recognized for special service
Published Online Jun 27, 2012 - 12:55 PM
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Jesse Reynolds received a certificate from the V.F.W. National Headquarters for his past service in the Navy as well as for his ongoing participation in the Honor Guard during a meeting of Frank Frazier Gallatin VFW Post 2172 held June 22, at the community building in Dockery Park.

Jim Rippy presents award to Jesse Reynolds

On Dec. 7, 1941, Jesse, 22 at the time, was the chief cook aboard the U.S.S. Macdonough anchored in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. About 84,000 uniformed Americans were on Oahu that "day of infamy." Only an estimated 8,000 are alive today -- and they are in their late 80s and older. Jesse is 96 but still active and alert and joked at the ceremony about doing push-ups every morning.

Jesse’s stories from World War II are captivating and his first-hand accounts are not just about the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Later in the war, Jesse was aboard the Radford when it was part of one of the largest rescues in Navy history. The USS Helena CL50 was hit and sunk by a torpedo during the Battle of Kula Gulf, July 5-6, 1943. The Radford and Nicholas both received a Presidential Unit Citation for the rescue of over 700 men.

Jesse was also recognized for his continuing volunteer service with the ceremonial guard at Friday’s meeting. Jim Rippy, Veteran Service Information Officer Chairman of the Missouri Department VFW, presented Jesse with the award. The Certificate of Special Recognition was signed by Richard L Denoyer, Commander in Chief Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and Alan F Gunner Kent, Adjutant General.

In other business at the meeting, Gallatin’s V.F.W. President Ray Clevenger noted that the Gallatin Post was one of only 22 posts in the state to receive the All State Award at the 92nd VFW Annual Convention held June 8-11 in Columbia. The post was required to meet several criteria in order to be recognized, including increasing membership and involvement in community service projects. This is the second consecutive year for the award for Gallatin. There are 241 posts in Missouri.

Lastly, members were reminded that they need to renew their membership prior to July 1.

About 65 V.F.W. members and guests attended the fish fry on Friday.



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