Harry F. Griese, Jr

• Seaman First Class (Radar), V6, Aboard USS Bremerton
• November 1, 1943 – June 10, 1946
• World War II
• Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal

Harry Griese, Jr. was born on 10/31/1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended all-boys Elder High School where he ran track and played the trumpet in the school band. He shared memories of a child growing up in the Great Depression as part of a close-knit family.
As World War II began Harry joined the US Navy by way of the NROTC and was sent to Duke University. There he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and served as Social Chairman of his fraternity.
He enlisted in June of 1943 and was sent for training to the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois and Radar School at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Harry then received assignment to the Cruiser Ship USS Bremerton in the China Sea to fight the Japanese. He spent 1944 and 1945 as part of a large gun crew until the war ended. After VE Day he continued to serve in the Pacific until honorably discharged in June, 1946.
Harry went on to a successful career in the HVAC industry as an engineered machinery product sales manager for four companies, the longest stint with the Trane Company based in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
He and college sweetheart, Muriel (Kirtley), raised two sons; Douglas (named for General MacArthur) and Mark (named for WWII General Mark Clark).
After a very active and productive life Harry passed away in October of 1992 near Louisville, Kentucky. He is currently survived by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.