Today in the USA, it is Memorial Day. For most people, it is a day of picnics and fun in the sun, but it is also a day of remembrance and appreciation. It is the day we honor our fallen, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom. Instead of a usual blog today, I wanted to share a little about my first cousin twice removed, Paul Henry Hedrick.
Paul joined the navy when he was young in 1930. Ironically, he served aboard the USS Arizona. There is not much information available (at least that I can find) that details what he did from then, but I can see in census records that he married and had children. In 1936, he reenlisted in the Navy.
As we know, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked and many lives were lost. My cousin was among them, meeting his fate aboard the very same ship where he’d originally fulfilled his military duties. Today, I wanted to take a moment to thank him for his service, his dedication, and for his life.
Thank you, Paul.
P. S. If you are or know a descendant of Paul Hedrick, I would love to hear from you!
My aunt Essies son. I am a cousin too. My mom talked of Paul to me as I grew up hearing about him. I was trying to see of getting Donald Stratton’s book on all the men that died on the Arizona. He served and was wounded. He survived. So did Coyte Wike. Paul and he were cousina. I think Coyte served another ship. Had he been on the ship…he would if perished. I think he got on shore before the attack. Had just visited Paul. Coyte was kin to my aunt Essie. I had written to Donald and got an exert of Paul from his son. Donald was one of the last living servicemen on the Arizona. He has a documentary of him….so great a documentary. George was a sailor on another ship who saved him and other sailors. He/Stratton passed away about a year ago. I would of love to of met this man.
LikeLike
Kimberly,
I’m so sorry it has taken so long to respond. Your message was in my pending folder so I never saw it. This is really amazing! I would love to talk about Paul with you one day. All I really know is that he was a cousin on my mother’s father’s side (James B. Hedrick), but I am eager to learn more! Please feel free to contact me at mjpadgett@mjpadgettbooks.com if you ever have time to talk!
MJ
LikeLike