“Forever Loved, Never Forgotten”
The Navy Gold Star Program is eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those Service Members who have died in service to our country. To help us to never forget, we have set up this tribute page to honor and remember the memory of those lives. If you would like to honor the memory of your Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman through the Navy Gold Star website please submit your thoughts and a photo.
Seaman First Class Earl Eugene Halvorson USN, age 19, died February 27, 1944, on board the submarine USS Grayback (SS208), lost to enemy action during World War II.
Earl was born to Johnnie and Amelia (Possails) Halvorson in rural Lyon County Minnesota. After the death of his father, Earl (age 8) shouldered the responsibility as father-figure to his younger siblings during the Great Depression.
On December 20, 1941, thirteen days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Earl enlisted in the US Navy. Only 17, his mother reluctantly signed his enlistment papers, and December 31st he reported to Naval Station Great Lakes. Earl volunteered for Submarine Service and reported to Pearl Harbor. Scoring top of his class, he was ordered to active duty as torpedo-man on the USS Grayback. He served on her 7th, 8th, 9th, and eternal war patrols.
So, it was bittersweet on November 11, 2019, news broke that a 75 year old mystery had been solved – the USS Grayback had been found resting off the coast of Okinawa; the final resting place of Earl and 79 comrades.
Earl is fondly remembered by his last surviving sibling, Elaine, age 93. Earl's legacy inspired future generations to volunteer for military service.