Eldon Gerald Fisher (1920-1945)

FISHER, JOHNSON

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:49

August 29, 1920 --- April 29, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fisher have received some details as to the death of their son Eldon, who was reported missing in action.

Eldon was on the USS Hazelwood when it was hit by a Jap suicide aircraft off the coast of Okinawa on April 29. According to information forwarded by crew members, Eldon was entitled to wear the following ribbons, American Theatre, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre with 10 stars, and Philippine Liberation with 2 stars. The following letter was also received by Mrs. Fisher, from Eldon’s officer.

14 June 1945

Dear Mrs. Fisher:

You have by this time received word from the Navy Department that your son, Eldon, is “missing in action.” I know the grief and anxiety which that message brings, lacking details, as it does. I will give you what details I can with the hope that it may lessen that anxiety somewhat.

This ship was hit by a Japanese suicide plane, carrying a bomb, on the 29th of April. Fire broke out immediately in the vicinity of the hit and continued to burn for several hours. The crash and bomb explosion occurred very near Eldon’s battle station. There were many of our shipmates stationed near the scene of the hit who never had a chance to escape, and whose bodies were never found or else not identified. Those very fine officers and men, including your son, were never seen after the hit and were listed as “missing in action.”

It is my honest opinion, Mrs. Fisher, that your son is not alive and that he died without any suffering, due to his being so near to the actual hit.

I shall always remember Eldon as a trusted and loyal shipmate and friend. He was a fine leader and an equally fine electrician and his work contributed in a large measure to the good record of our ship in combat.

I extend my deepest sympathy to you and to all those who knew and loved him.

Very sincerely,
Fred’k C. Butler
L. (j.g) USNR.
Asst. Engr. Officer

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
October 4, 1945

Memorial services for Eldon Gerald Fisher, Electrician's Mate Second Class were held Sunday afternoon in the First Baptist church.

Eldon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fisher, lost his life while serving aboard the U.S.S. Hazelwood on April 29, 1945.

Rev. Harry Throckmorton had charge of the service and Clarence Shurtz Post of the American Legion gave the flag ceremony and presented the flag to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher. Eldon's brother, Garland Fisher pinned the gold star on the church service flag. Ushers were Gerald Hanson and Edward Newburn.

The order of service was as follows:
Prelude, Mrs. Richard Knutson
Hymn, "Under His Wings"
Invocation
Scripture
Story of Eldon Fisher
Solo, "It is Well With My Soul"
Mrs. Scott Ellsworth
A Tribute, Carl Thorson
Sermon, Rev. Harry Throckmorton
Hymn, "He Hideth My Soul"
Flag Ceremony
Gold Star Ceremony
Taps by American Legion
Silent Meditation
Recessional

Story of Eldon Gerald Fisher

Eldon Gerald Fisher, son of Carl and Martha Fisher was born on August 29, 1920 on a farm near Eagle Grove, Iowa. He attended the grades at a country school near his home. At a young age Eldon confessed his Christian faith in Christ and was united into the brotherhood of the First Baptist church. He served his Lord faithfully, rendering many services in the church, and was one of the main workers in the Young People's group in helping others to know their Lord.

Eldon received his high school education from the Eagle Grove high school and graduated with the class of 1937. After completion of his high school he worked on farms in Wright County until the summer of 1941 at which time he began working with an electrician in Eagle Grove. He worked at this job until the time of his enlistment in the United States Naval Reserve, which was on August 28, 1942. He took his basic training and spent a year in the United States learning his duties for the Navy. In the fall of 1943 he went aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Hazelwood and they then went out to sea. He served in the American Theatre, Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, and the Philippine Liberation for which he was entitled to wear twelve stars. Eldon paid the supreme sacrifice for his country while in action on April 29, 1945.

He was a very dependable and loyal worker and always did a thorough job in any undertaking. His many friends showed that he was very well liked by all.

He leaves to mourn in passing his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Fisher, two brothers, Richard and Garland Fisher, his grandmother, Mrs. Elsie Johnson.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
November 8, 1945