Sailor’s Story of Survival
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Richard Grantham of Arroyo Grande, CA appears on episodes #583 and 584 of Hometown Heroes, airing July 4-7 and July 11-15, 2019, before and after his 93rd birthday. Grantham served on the attack transports USS DuPage (APA-41) and USS Elmore (APA-42) in the Pacific during World War II, participating in four major battles.
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Dick Grantham’s medals include the Purple Heart. The longtime woodworker also made this shield on which they’re mounted.
You’ll hear Dick remember his childhood in southern California, why he never knew his father, and why he quit school at age 15, launching into a series of what he calls “adventures” in different parts of the country before deciding to enlist in the Navy at age 17 in 1943.
Dick as a teenaged sailor aboard the USS DuPage. For more photos, visit the Hometown Heroes facebook page.
My grandfather, William Paul Toran, was the executive officer on the USS Dupage when the kamikazes hit the ship. Wondering if Dick has any recollection of him.
I interviewed Dick yesterday afternoon from his bed at home. His daughter texted after midnight that he went home to be with his wife Betty, her mom. How incredible to be talking to him on his final day here. He was a special guy. RIP Dick. Thank you for your service and your conversation.
Thank you for letting me know, Adam. What a special guy, indeed! Amazing legacy. Rest in peace, sailor.