Military Veterans

Celebration of Freedom panel

Vernon Eugene Purcell

Date of Birth

20 September 1926

Brick Location

Liberty Side

Panel Number

19B

Biography

World War II Navy Veteran Vernon Purcell was a sailor on board the USS Wisconsin in the closing years of World War II.  The Wisconsin was the first ship into Toyyo Bay at the end of the war.  

 

USS Wisconsin (BB-64) ("Wisky" or "WisKy")served in the Pacific Theater, where she shelledJapanese fortifications during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and screened United Statesaircraft carriers as they conducted air raids against enemy positions. 

Branch:

U.S. Navy

Rank

EM3/C

Years

World War II—1944 - 1946

Duty

USS Wisconsin—First ship into Tokyo Bay at end of World War II