Star Bar

Decker, Thomas E. - PH3 DD350

Pearl Harbor Survivor

 

 

I regret to inform the USS HULL Association that my Father, Thomas E. Decker, survivor aboard the Hull DD350 during the Day of Infamy, Dec. 7th, 1941 has passed away. He went to meet the Supreme Admiral of Navy on July 22nd, 2014. He passed peacefully in his sleep at the Illinois State Veterans home in Quincy, ILL.
 

Mike Decker - USMC 64-73

1707 Sunshing Lane

Zion, ILL 60099-9244

 

 

 

Decker, Thomas E. 94, of Zion, IL passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy, IL. He was born November 18, 1919 in Springfield, IL and was raised in Alton, IL. In 1939 he enlisted in the United States Navy in St. Louis, MO. While in the Navy he served aboard the USS Hull (DD350) in Pearl Harbor and was on the ship on December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He later served aboard the USS Endicott during the Invasion of Normandy and also during the invasion of Quadalcanal. He was Past President of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association Inc., Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 731, was a 4th Degree member of Cardinal Stritch Council, was a member of Zion-Benton American Legion Post #865, and was a member of Libertyville VFW. He also belonged to the St. Bartholomew Seniors Club and was a member of St. Dismas Catholic Church of Waukegan. Survivors include his son, Mike (Pat) Decker of Zion, IL; grandson, Shaun Decker of Chandler, AZ; niece, Theresa Carringella of Waukegan, IL; nephew, Daniel (Dot) Whittenberger of Lake Villa, IL; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanore Decker; brother, Jack Decker; and mother, Agnes Decker. Visitation will be Monday, July 28, 2014, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Dismas Catholic Church, 2600 Sunset Ave., Waukegan, IL, followed by Military Honors. Burial will be private later at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. Please sign - See more at: http://legacy.suburbanchicagonews.com/obituaries/stng-newssun/obituary.aspx?n=Thomas-Decker&pid=171835716#sthash.llFASJG7.dpuf


Significant Duty Stations
  • USS RELIEF AH-1
  • USS HULL DD-350 - PEARL HARBOR ATTACK / INVASION OF GUADALCANAL
  • ADVANCED BASE AVIATION TRNG UNIT, LIDO BEACH, NY
  • USS LST-311 - NORMANDY INVASION
  • NAB LONDON, ENGLAND * USS ENDICOTT DMS-35

Significant Awards
  • COMBAT ACTION RIBBON
  • AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
  • AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL
  • EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL W/ 1 STAR
  • ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL W/ 2 STARS
  • WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL