Purple Heart Medal recipient
Byron “Bud” Brocksen served in the Navy from June 13, 1944 to November 8, 1945.
Bud joined the Navy at age 17 and was assigned to the U.S.S. Saratoga.
In 1941, when the US Navy fleet was crippled at Pearl Harbor by the sudden Japanese attack, the U.S.S. Saratoga became the backbone of the American defenses in the pacific.
“Bud” served on the U.S.S. Saratoga until she sustained her heaviest damage near Iwo Jima when she was struck by seven bombs and five Kamikaze planes. “Bud” was injured in the first Kamikaze attack, but survived. Laying on a stretcher on the deck of the Saratoga, Bud would recall how he lay injured, unable to move, and watched the Kamikaze fighters coming in for a second and third strike. He was one of the few who had been injured and stabilized on the deck of the Saratoga that survived.
Fires and explosions ripped the ship as her gunners fought back and her repair crews struggled to control the damage. Bud and the Saratoga survived that attack, but 123 shipmates did not, and over 300 others were injured.
Bud received and honorable discharge, as well as a Purple Heart for his heroic efforts during WWII.
Besides being a hero to the country, Papa (aka: “Bud”) was a hero to his wife, two children, six grand-children and twelve great-grandchildren who were lucky to have him as their rock, and will miss him very much.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Brocksen family.
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