WILLIAM C. GARRETT Jr., FUHS 1938

Garrett Jr., William C. (Capt. USN, Ret.), passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2010 with his beloved wife Doris by his side. He was born to W. Clyde and Catherine Garrett on September 9, 1920 in Fullerton, CA. He was a graduate of St. Mary's Catholic School, Fullerton High School, and Fullerton College.

He was a pilot in the United States Navy, and served during WWII and the Korean War. During WWII he flew torpedo missions in the Pacific Theater, serving aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and the U.S.S. Langley. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross "for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight" and "skillfully and daringly flying his plane in the face of intense antiaircraft fire." As noted in his citation, "His expert airmanship and courage upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." He was a helicopter pilot and instructor. He served as a member of Naval Intelligence at the Pentagon from 1955-1957 and was a member of the Admiral's staff. Highly decorated for his service to the country, he also was awarded with the Air Medal; American Defense Medal; American Area Medal; WWII Victory Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (3 stars); Philippine Liberation Medal (1 Star); Navy Unit Citation; United Nations Service Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; China Service Medal (extended); Korean Service Medal; and the Naval Reserve Medal.

He met and married his wife Doris in 1945 while she was serving in the WAVES. After leaving active military service, he lived in Anaheim, California and worked for the McDonnell Douglas Corporation as a Logistical Engineer until his retirement in 1985. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Helen Krom. He is survived by his wife and his seven children, Michele, William, Janet, John, David, Joseph, and Helen; his 17 grandchildren; and his 8 great-grandchildren. He will be forever missed, loved, and honored by his entire family.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, January 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at the Hilgenfeld Mortuary, 120 E. Broadway, Anaheim, CA, 92805. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, January 28th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 120 N. Janss Street, Anaheim, CA 92805. Interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange, CA. Hilgenfeld Mortuary Visit Guest Book (available until 1/26/2011)
Published in Orange County Register on January 26, 2010