George Martin

George Wright Martin

1921-2013

A longtime resident of Berkeley, died December 3 peacefully at home. He was 92 years old. 

George was born in Providence RI to Ada and Royland Martin.  He spent his childhood sailing on Narragansett Bay from the age of 6 and enjoyed sailing for the rest of his life.  He was a 1939 graduate of Classical High School and a 1943 graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration. While at URI, he took Army ROTC during his freshman and sophomore years, worked in the football equipment room, served on the Beacon staff, and was captain of the sailing team that finished second in the New England Regatta. George attended the USNR Midshipman School at Notre Dame University and was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy Reserves in 1943. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II as a member of the "Greatest Generation." He saw combat action against the Japanese during the combat assault and capture of Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, Kwajalein & Majuro Atoll, Guam, Southern Palau Islands and on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, during 1944 and 1945. As naval gunfire officer attached to a joint assault company of a marine regiment of the 4th Marine Division, he was cited for outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Iwo Jima. Numerous casualties to gunfire parties of battalion combat landing teams on Iwo Jima necessitated LT Martin's prompt reorganization of these teams. This he did in such a manner that naval gunfire was able to fire upon positions and guns of the enemy which had been retarding the advance of the 4th Marine Division. Though at times under heavy enemy fire, he coordinated and planned supporting and preparatory fire in a most efficient manner. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.  As a result of his immediate action to bring naval gunfire on the enemy, many lives were saved. 

After WWII, George settled in California, married Barbara Duhig, and raised a family of two daughters. He was a member of the management team for a stainless steel company, and in this capacity supported the local community, including providing uniforms for little league baseball teams. George was recently inducted into the University of Rhode Island ROTC Hall of Fame at a ceremony on the URI campus.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Deedee (Barbara), his daughters Susan Martin (Paul Barrette) and Margery Jordan (Russell Jordan), grandchildren Christopher Jordan and Jennifer Hall (Micah Hall), and great granddaughters Annecy and Sierra Hall and Akasha Jordan. A memorial service will be held on December 29, 2013, at St. Clement's Episcopal Church, Claremont Ave, Berkeley, at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to St. Clement's Episcopal Church.