Paul Hermes enlisted in the Navy and served during WWII and Korea.
Paul and Helen Hermes celebrated their 70th anniversary on November 6, 2018 — election day.
Paul Hermes was born and raised in Philadelphia. He was the first generation of his family to be born here in the country. Paul understands sacrifices and so did his parents who immigrated from Germany in the 1920s. So it is understandable Paul decided to serve our great nation.
Paul enlisted along with three of his high school friends (they all played basketball together) and did so prior to finishing their education. Luckily, their recruiter delayed their induction so he and his friends graduated school.
“I wanted to enlist to preserve our rights for all in the United States,” said Paul. The day after graduation, the friends reported to Maryland for training, and once training was completed the men were separated and sent on different assignments. They remained lifelong friends.
Hermes served on board USS Edward H. Allen (photo courtesy of Mr. Hermes)
Assigned as a deck seaman on board USS Edward H. Allen, Paul began his Navy service and sailed out of Boston in March 1944. Paul’s CO selected him to serve as the ship’s mailman, and he advanced to Petty Officer 3rd Class. His position as ship’s mailman led to some unusual experiences and afforded him a close relationship with the CO and other crew members.
The ship Paul served on performed duties out of Miami from March to June of 1944 and then was stationed in Norfolk from June to November 1944. Paul and his fellow crew members returned to Miami on June 10, 1945 and then went to Casco Bay, Maine. While the ship’s crew prepared for service in the Pacific (as a radar picket ship) the war ended.
Petty Officer Hermes was released from active duty in February 1946 but remained in the reserves. Paul returned to active duty when the Korean War began and served as the mailman at US Naval Air Station in Atlantic City. Paul completed his Navy enlistment in March of 1952 and transitioned into his professional career where he spent time working as a manager for E590 (now known as Exxon) and Esso Corporation where he worked for 37 years.
For those considering military careers, Paul said, “Serve your country. I think it is good to see other places; it is an eye-opener to many. You will have a new appreciation for what you have if you spend time in the military.”
Mr. Hermes pictured in top row, third from the left. (photo courtesy of Hermes family)
Paul said he learned much about “what it meant to maintain our freedoms.” This veteran who served in two wars imparted some advice to the younger generation: “It is important to maintain our high standard of living in a free country. I hope they [the younger generations] think about what they do have, because it may be gone before they realize it. Hold on to what you [citizens] got — don’t let it go.”
He also reflected on the poverty during the Great Depression and parents who were resident aliens during WWII were major factors which influenced him throughout his life.
Throughout his Navy career, Paul was honored with several awards, including the American Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal. Hero’s Bridge collaborated with local VFW partners to record Paul’s history and submitted his oral history the the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Paul, we thank you for your service.
Paul and his wife, Helen, live in Warrenton and on November 6, 2018 will celebrate 70 years of marriage. Congratulations to you both for your special celebration. When asked what the secret to a long, happy marriage was, Helen, said, “breathe.”