George M. Harrington

George M. Harrington served in the United States Navy as a Signalman.

Mr. Harrington's story reflects the valor and sacrifice of countless individuals who served as Navy Signalmen during World War II. Born in 1926, he joined the Navy at the tender age of 18 in March 1944, just as the war was intensifying. Hailing from Endicott, New York, he grew up on a farm as one of six siblings. Like many young men of his generation, Mr. Harrington felt the call to duty and left his civilian life behind to serve his country.

Prior to enlisting, Mr. Harrington worked at the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, a prominent employer in the area. However, when the war broke out, he felt compelled to contribute directly to the war effort. His journey began with basic training at the Sampson U.S. Naval Training Station, situated on the shores of Seneca Lake in New York.

During his service, Mr. Harrington held the rank of Signalman, a critical position that required expertise in visual communication and advanced lookout skills. Signalmen were entrusted with transmitting, receiving, encoding, decoding, and distributing messages using various visual transmission systems, including flags, hand signals, and Morse code. Their role was vital in ensuring effective communication between naval vessels and coordinating maneuvers during combat operations.

Mr. Harrington served in the Pacific Theater aboard flat-bottom boats, specifically the Higgins boats. These vessels played a crucial role in amphibious assaults, ferrying troops and equipment to the shorelines of key strategic locations. He participated in numerous campaigns, including the pivotal battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Saipan, to name a few. His responsibility was to safely deliver Marines and supplies to the beachheads.

The Higgins boats, characterized by their front ramp, allowed for swift deployment of infantry and small vehicles directly onto the beach, making them essential assets in amphibious warfare. His courage and skill ensured that countless soldiers reached their destinations, despite the dangers lurking offshore.

Mr. Harrington's service spanned over two years. His contributions, along with those of his comrades, played a crucial role in securing victory in the Pacific Theater. His story stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, whose courage helped shape the course of history.