Yogi

[Subdeacon Joe]

WWII uncovered: Lawrence "Yogi" Berra Veteran of D-Day

Lawrence Peter Berra, of St Louis Missouri, enlisted with the US Navy on May 12, 1943 at the age of 18 years old. Yogi Berra was a member of the Norfolk Tars Baseball Team at the time. He would later sign with the New York Yankees after putting his career on hold to serve his country.

"Berra served in the US Navy as a gunner’s mate on the attack transport USS Bayfield during the D-Day invasion of France. A Second Class Seaman, Berra was one of a six-man crew on a Navy rocket boat, firing machine guns and launching rockets at the German defenses at Omaha Beach. During an interview on the 65th Anniversary of D-Day, Yogi confirmed that he was sent to Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion as well." 

According to an interview with the Baseball in Wartime website: “It was just like a Fourth of July celebration,” Berra later recalled of his D-Day experience. Yogi spent 12 days manning the rocket boat protecting the Allied troops on the shore while shooting down enemy aircraft. 

Yogi Berra also served in North Africa and Italy, and was sent home to the United States after suffering a hand wound. He was then stationed at the New London Sub Base until his discharge. 

Second Class Seaman Lawrence Peter Berra was the recipient of the Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained to his hand when hit by enemy fire.

"In the years following his Navy service, he continued to support the troops. In 1950, he participated in a campaign with the Treasury Department to promote the purchase of U.S. savings bonds. In 2009, he received the Lone Sailor Award and, in 2010, he was honored with the Audie Murphy Award for his Navy service."

"Yogi Berra appeared as a player, coach or manager in every one of the 13 World Series that New York baseball teams won from 1947 through 1981. Overall, he played or coached in 22 World Series, 13 on the winning side. In 1972, Berra was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. That year, the Yankees retired his uniform, number 8." (Source: VAntage Point and military.com)

Lawrence Peter Berra passed away on September 22, 2015 at the age of 90. He lies in rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover New Jersey. Lest We Forget.

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#worldseries #honorourveterans 

Original description and photos sourced by military.com and VAntage Point (Veterans Association blog) Photo: US Navy

 

 

[Blackwater 53393]

One of the greatest generation!!  
 

A truly great ball player and a great guy!!