Navy Chief A. Douglas Sturdevant, Ret. United States Navy, 85, passed away Friday, July 15, 2011, at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.
Chief Sturdevant was born September 2, 1925, in Annapolis, MD, to the proud parents Harry J. and Margret Sturdevant.
On the morning of September 2, 1942, the morning of his 17th birthday, as World War II raged on around the world, threatening the very existence of humanity, he answered the call to duty from God and Country by walking into the Annapolis military recruitment center and enlisted, embarking on a 27-year career. During that time he served in WWII in the South Pacific, Korea and Vietnam and was awarded numerous service medals and commendations.
He was awarded the Bronze Star by Vice Admiral J.S. McCain, in that on January 21, 1945, a bomb exploded on his aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Hancock while the ship was off the coast of Okinawa. With complete disregard for his own safety, then Seaman First Class Sturdevant ran into the flaming wreckage and amid the burning fuel and exploding .50 cal. ammunition that was still injuring and killing personnel. In this unselfish act, he dragged numerous men to safety, saving their lives.
It is from a grateful Nation that we say goodbye to this American Hero who is survived by his wife Betty Jane, daughter Marilyn Sturdevant-Williams, son Michael Sturdevant-Smith, 5 step children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchldren.
Friends will be welcomed by his family on Monday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Avenue, Ford City, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Orphans of the Storm, Box 838 Rte. 85, Kittanning PA 16201.
Source:Welch Funeral Home
Chief Sturdevant was born September 2, 1925, in Annapolis, MD, to the proud parents Harry J. and Margret Sturdevant.
On the morning of September 2, 1942, the morning of his 17th birthday, as World War II raged on around the world, threatening the very existence of humanity, he answered the call to duty from God and Country by walking into the Annapolis military recruitment center and enlisted, embarking on a 27-year career. During that time he served in WWII in the South Pacific, Korea and Vietnam and was awarded numerous service medals and commendations.
He was awarded the Bronze Star by Vice Admiral J.S. McCain, in that on January 21, 1945, a bomb exploded on his aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Hancock while the ship was off the coast of Okinawa. With complete disregard for his own safety, then Seaman First Class Sturdevant ran into the flaming wreckage and amid the burning fuel and exploding .50 cal. ammunition that was still injuring and killing personnel. In this unselfish act, he dragged numerous men to safety, saving their lives.
It is from a grateful Nation that we say goodbye to this American Hero who is survived by his wife Betty Jane, daughter Marilyn Sturdevant-Williams, son Michael Sturdevant-Smith, 5 step children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchldren.
Friends will be welcomed by his family on Monday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Avenue, Ford City, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Orphans of the Storm, Box 838 Rte. 85, Kittanning PA 16201.
Source:Welch Funeral Home
Navy Chief A. Douglas Sturdevant, Ret. United States Navy, 85, passed away Friday, July 15, 2011, at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital.
Chief Sturdevant was born September 2, 1925, in Annapolis, MD, to the proud parents Harry J. and Margret Sturdevant.
On the morning of September 2, 1942, the morning of his 17th birthday, as World War II raged on around the world, threatening the very existence of humanity, he answered the call to duty from God and Country by walking into the Annapolis military recruitment center and enlisted, embarking on a 27-year career. During that time he served in WWII in the South Pacific, Korea and Vietnam and was awarded numerous service medals and commendations.
He was awarded the Bronze Star by Vice Admiral J.S. McCain, in that on January 21, 1945, a bomb exploded on his aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Hancock while the ship was off the coast of Okinawa. With complete disregard for his own safety, then Seaman First Class Sturdevant ran into the flaming wreckage and amid the burning fuel and exploding .50 cal. ammunition that was still injuring and killing personnel. In this unselfish act, he dragged numerous men to safety, saving their lives.
It is from a grateful Nation that we say goodbye to this American Hero who is survived by his wife Betty Jane, daughter Marilyn Sturdevant-Williams, son Michael Sturdevant-Smith, 5 step children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchldren.
Friends will be welcomed by his family on Monday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Avenue, Ford City, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Orphans of the Storm, Box 838 Rte. 85, Kittanning PA 16201.
Source:Welch Funeral Home
Chief Sturdevant was born September 2, 1925, in Annapolis, MD, to the proud parents Harry J. and Margret Sturdevant.
On the morning of September 2, 1942, the morning of his 17th birthday, as World War II raged on around the world, threatening the very existence of humanity, he answered the call to duty from God and Country by walking into the Annapolis military recruitment center and enlisted, embarking on a 27-year career. During that time he served in WWII in the South Pacific, Korea and Vietnam and was awarded numerous service medals and commendations.
He was awarded the Bronze Star by Vice Admiral J.S. McCain, in that on January 21, 1945, a bomb exploded on his aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Hancock while the ship was off the coast of Okinawa. With complete disregard for his own safety, then Seaman First Class Sturdevant ran into the flaming wreckage and amid the burning fuel and exploding .50 cal. ammunition that was still injuring and killing personnel. In this unselfish act, he dragged numerous men to safety, saving their lives.
It is from a grateful Nation that we say goodbye to this American Hero who is survived by his wife Betty Jane, daughter Marilyn Sturdevant-Williams, son Michael Sturdevant-Smith, 5 step children, 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchldren.
Friends will be welcomed by his family on Monday, July 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Avenue, Ford City, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Orphans of the Storm, Box 838 Rte. 85, Kittanning PA 16201.
Source:Welch Funeral Home
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