Pictured is the aircraft carrier The U.S.S. Bunker Hill CV-17 that sailed the Pacific Ocean during World War II with more than 3,000 personnel on board along with torpedo bomber and fighter planes. On that ship was Petty Officer Second Class Don Way of Cazenovia.
Also pictured is Don (center) receiving a 60-year certificate for his membership in the American Legion from Jack Mott, Commander of the Cazenovia American Legion Post 88 (left) and Joe Barrilla, Vice Commander also of Post 88.
Cazenovia resident receives certificate of membership
(Cazenovia, NY – April 2013
) Don Way of Cazenovia recently received a 60-year certificate for membership in the American Legion.
Way served in the United States Navy from September 1942 to October 1945. His military order of service was in the area of supply and commissary. Way served in the Pacific fleet under Admiral Nimitz. One time during the war, his ship was deployed at sea for nine months without ever sighting land. During this period the CV-17 was under attack by Kamikaze planes that took the lives of 500 Marines and Sailors and destroyed over 100 aircraft.
Way was awarded the Good Conduct metal along with the Pacific and Asiatic Ribbon with 14 battle stars earned by the crew of the U.S.S. Bunker Hill.
After the war Way joined the Morrisville American Legion Post 163 in 1948. Living in Morrisville, he was married and had a family of three daughters and one son. His various occupations were in the meat business with Acme Markets, Swift and Co. and the Department of Agriculture in Omaha Nebraska.
Way retired to North Carolina and returned to Cazenovia in 2009 to be closer to his family.
“We thank Don for his service to our country in the United States Navy,” said Commander Jack Mott. “He endured the dangers of the high seas and helped protect our freedom. We salute him for his service and loyalty to The American Legion over these many years.”