Clyde A. Prudhomme, Jr.
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Clyde A. Prudhomme Jr. entered the Navy on February 2, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Home at entry: Duluth, Minnesota.
He served as a Radarman Second Class aboard the USS Algol. While aboard the USS Algol, cargo was loaded in Oakland, California, and unloaded in Saipan. At Guadalcanal participated in landing exercises in preparation for the assault on Luzon at Lingayen Gulf.
Arrived at Lingayen Gulf without attack despite reports of submarines, torpedoes and unidentified aircraft. Unloaded the SS President Monroe and the USS Algol the following day. In San Pedro Bay, the USS Algol reloaded for a second invasion of Luzon.
When he arrived at Zambales, the Filipino guerrillas had secured the entire area and the prelanding bombardment was canceled. On the third trip to Luzon, he was able to have frequent liberty, prior to getting back to the reality of war.
Prepared for the assault on the Ryukyu Islands by loading cargo and elements of the 184th Regimental Combat Team. Unloaded the USS Algol of cargo and troops just after the invasion of Okinawa started; then served as a tender for landing craft. After varied trips to Guam, Hawaii, Eniwetok, Solomons, and China, left the USS Algol for discharge.
Mr. Prudhomme was honorably discharged on May 7, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 364.
