Pearl Harbor: the story of the hero who was awarded the 76 years later – posthumously

Pearl Harbor: the story of the hero who was awarded the 76 years later – posthumously

Exactly 76 years ago, on Sunday morning 7 December 1941 Japanese aircraft and submarines attacked the American naval and air bases located in the vicinity of pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Then killed more than 2,400 people.

Among the dead could be, and Donald Stratton, and Lauren Bruner, but they were lucky enough to meet Joe George.

Pearl Harbor: the story of the hero who was awarded the 76 years later – posthumously

Donald Stratton and Lauren Bruner was aboard the USS Arizonawhen the attack began. Both were wounded, falling into the water. Stratton received severe burns, lost part of an ear. When the Arizona began to sink, through the smoke Donald Stratton saw Joe George – he stood on the deck moored next to the repair ship with ropes in their hands.

George was ordered to cut the mooring lines between the two ships, but he did not obey the orders of an officer.

Instead, he dropped the rope into the water and started to pull out Donald and Lorena, and together with them four more sailors.

«He was screaming: you can do it! You can do it!» — says 95-year-old Donald Stratton.

Two of the rescued died from his wounds, but the survivors had always thought of George as a hero. Despite this, the medal he had not been given.

But today, justice will prevail. As reported by the LA Times, the Deputy commander of the Pacific fleet of the USA will award the medal «Bronze star» (the fourth-highest combat award in the Armed forces of America) daughter of Joe George — Ann Taylor.

95-year-old Donald Stratton and 97-year-old Lauren Bruner will be attending the ceremony. The hero died in 1996.

All this time saved was made to Joe George was presented with a medal, but the process was delayed until the veterans had met with Matt Preveza, officer of naval intelligence. He promised to assist the solution of the issue in Washington, which he did.

The daughter character, Ann Taylor, says that his father never talked about pearl Harbor until then, unless her husband returned from Vietnam.

«He was a modest man, who did not want too much attention. Think, then refusing to obey the order and started to save people, he just did as told him the conscience.»

Joe George saved 6 men at Pearl Harbor. Finally, 76 years later, he’s being honored. https://t.co/2Uxjbs23sX (Photo: Family via The Arizona Republic) pic.twitter.com/XLCu5BZFRq

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) December 7, 2017

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